Category Archives: Consumer Electronics

Consumer Electronics, News

Midea Launches New Appliances Built for Smart Homes in Malaysia

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Midea is looking to complete smart homes with its new 2025/2026 lineup of appliances. The new lineup not only prioritises ease of use, accessibility and features, but Midea is shifting its focus to create appliances geared towards a sustainable, efficient home.

Energy Efficiency & Smart Integration Takes Centre Stage

Midea’s appliances are taking cues from consumers who are dealing with unprecedented levels of inflation. As such, Midea’s new approach keeps power efficiency and emphasizes automation and ease of use through its smart home application. Midea has developed a range of air conditioners and refrigerators that are SEDA (Sustainable Energy Development Authority) certified, with many models achieving 4-star ratings or higher. The company has also observed a significant increase in the adoption of inverter air-conditioners that champion energy savings and sustainability.

Midea 2025 Launch 54

Of course, the latest range of smart home appliances incorporates AI-powered capabilities and modern designs. These appliances are equipped with RFID and Wi-Fi, allowing users to control them remotely through the SmartHome app. This integration looks to create a more intuitive and connected home environment, enabling users to manage their appliances from anywhere, at any time.

Expanding & Upgrading for the Future of Home Tech

Midea has been steadily strengthening its position in the Malaysian market, driven by the growing demand for energy-efficient and smart home solutions. The company’s air-conditioner segment has seen impressive year-on-year growth exceeding 30%, contributing to a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years. Midea Malaysia aims to achieve RM1 billion in annual sales in 2025, projecting double-digit growth. The company plans to leverage its extensive nationwide dealer network and expand its Midea Brand Stores to reach this goal.

Midea 2025 Launch 24

To further enhance customer experience, Midea plans to upgrade over 50 of its brand stores nationwide over the next two years. The company is also focused on creating sales terminals equipped with professional technical support and consultation services, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction.

New Smart and Efficient Cooking Solutions

Midea’s new kitchen appliances aim to simplify cooking and enhance the culinary experience with smart features and innovative designs.

Midea 2025 Launch 25

The All-in-One Microwave Oven MMO-25XHA combines steam, grill, air-fry, and convection functionalities, offering a variety of cooking options. It features Inverter Quattro technology for precise power control, XpressSteam for maintaining food moisture and nutrients, and XpressFry for crispy air-fried results.

The L-Shaped Kitchen Hood MCH-90XS388(RFID) features a powerful brushless DC motor, self-cleaning steam wash, and smart home integration for convenient control. The Gas Hob MGH-80Z3GL offers an ultra-thin design, easy installation, and various safety features.

Smarter Appliances for Peace of Mind

Midea’s smart appliances aim to simplify home management and create a more connected living environment. The Midea V12 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and the 3-in-1 Floorwasher MVC-GX5 PRO are prime examples, offering automated cleaning solutions that reduce the need for manual intervention.

Midea 2025 Launch 01

The Midea V12 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner offers an all-in-one station that automatically handles dust collection, mop washing, and mop drying. This hands-free approach simplifies maintenance and ensures hygienic cleaning. With 5000Pa suction power, the V12 effectively captures dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces. Upgraded navigation algorithms and dynamic obstacle avoidance ensure efficient cleaning. Additional features include ultrasonic carpet detection, customizable no-go zones, and multi-floor map storage.

Midea 2025 Launch 03

The 3-in-1 Floorwasher MVC-GX5 PRO is a versatile floorwasher that combines vacuuming and mopping in one step, featuring dual-sided edge cleaning, self-cleaning and self-drying functions, and electrolyzed water for enhanced sanitization.

Midea 2025 Launch 41

These appliances can be controlled and monitored remotely through the Midea SmartHome app, providing users with greater flexibility and convenience. The app also allows for integration with other smart home devices, creating a cohesive ecosystem that can be managed from a central hub.

Washers, Dryers and Air Conditioners for the Smart Home

Midea’s new Front Load Washer Dryer MF310D Series combines washing and drying functionalities in a single unit, offering space-saving convenience. The TurboFoam+ technology enhances cleaning efficiency, while HealthGuard provides sanitization capabilities. The Auto Dose feature automates detergent dispensing, and SmartHome integration allows for remote control and monitoring.

Midea 2025 Launch 18

Midea continues its focus on energy-efficient air conditioners with its latest models. These air conditioners utilize inverter technology to optimize energy consumption while providing effective cooling. The company also highlights the durability and reliability of its air conditioners, incorporating features like Prime Guard technology for enhanced corrosion resistance and extended lifespan.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability details for the new Midea products were not available at the time of writing.

However, Midea is currently running a Hari Raya promotion, offering Touch ‘n Go rebates worth up to RM500 beginning March 16, 2025.

Computers, Consumer Electronics, Reviews

Canon PIXMA TS7770 In-depth Review: A Compact Printer Perfect For Minimalist Setups

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Printing has taken a little bit of a backseat in recent years as we move to a more digitalised norm. However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t need good printers especially when it comes to preserving memories in pictures or even printing that larger-than-life dungeon map for your D&D session. Even in home offices, printers still play a relatively crucial role in operations.

Canon’s PIXMA TS7770 is an all-in-one printer designed for home users and small offices. For this model, Canon was focusing on delivering high-quality prints with versatile functionality; the perfect combination for home offices and even crafters. Canon is looking to strike the perfect balance of affordability, ease of use, and performance

Canon PIxma TS7770A 01

So, the big question is, does the Canon PIXMA TS7770 hit all the marks Canon sets for it and is it worth looking at if you’re looking for a printer? In this review, we’ll dive into its features, build quality, print quality, speed, and compatibility across platforms, while paying special attention to its print quality, speed, and multi-platform integration to answer this.

Design & Build Quality

The unit of the Canon PIXMA TS7770 that we got in for review was a white version of the printer. It looks sleek and chic, perfect for a minimalist setup. The printer itself isn’t too big measuring in at 35cm in length, 37cm in width and 17cm in height. It should be able to seamlessly blend into any workspace setup. The minimal design also hides its many physical features including a paper tray and a scanner bed.

The Canon PIXMA TS7770 boasts a sturdy build that feels durable despite its compact size. The printer’s build materials are a tad bit plasticy. However, Canon has made some choices that make it feel slightly more premium. With an overall design that emphasizes practicality, the PIXMA TS7770 has a finish that would need some maintenance in the long run. It has a textured mattified finish which will undoubtedly catch dust. It’s the unit we had that came with a white finish. We hope that the finish doesn’t hasten the yellowing of the printer itself.

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Canon PIxma TS7770A 07
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Accessing the ink cartridges and clearing paper jams is straightforward. This is thanks to the design of the compact printer. Aside from the paper trays, the internals are relatively easy to access by opening a single panel. We have to give it to them, this is a pretty well-thought-out layout.

The control interface is also very well thought out. The interface can be raised away from the printer. This makes the items being displayed easy to read and interact with. While the control panel is not fully touchscreen, it features a clear and responsive LCD display. The display comes alongside tactile buttons that also allow you to interact with the printer. This hybrid approach makes the learning curve to use the printer shorter and strikes a balance between usability with durability.

Features

A printer is not just a printer anymore. We’ve become accustomed to printers coming with scanners and even software features that make them compelling additions to our setup. The Canon PIXMA TS7770 isn’t shying away from packing it in with the features. It comes equipped with a host of features that make it a solid contender in the all-in-one printer market.

Of course, being a printer designed for home offices and even small and medium enterprises, the TS7770 is an all-in-one. It prints, scans and can even act as a photocopier if needed. If you really need it, it can even do faxing with the proper software setup. With how minimalist we’ve become over the years, running cables can be quite the hassle, this printer addresses that issue with wireless connectivity. It supports both WiFi and Bluetooth.

Canon PIxma TS7770A 03

You don’t even have to be on your laptop to print – which is a big plus. Canon’s PRINT app allows you to print and even customise your print from your smartphone or tablet. This has become an expectation at this point when it comes to printers. However, Canon’s PRINT app has one of the easiest and most intuitive interfaces available now. Printing is as simple as sharing the document or picture with the app or navigating to the document with the file manager through the app. Even printing photos is pretty easy. You can even change the size and orientation of the print in the app. This also includes borderless printing options for more creative printing including borders and the like. You can even print directly from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox.

The printer also comes with multiple paper trays. This is both a boon and a curse when it comes to printing. We had a few issues with printing cause of this. The printer should prioritize its main feeder on most prints. However, we had times when it would pull from the secondary paper tray – which wasn’t loaded. There isn’t a simple way to adjust priorities when it comes to paper sources. That aside, the multiple trays are what allows the printer to be able to do duplex printing which is important for small businesses looking to keep up with their ESG pledges.

Print Quality & Speed

The print quality of the Canon PIXMA TS7770 is pretty sharp for an inkjet printer. Canon touts it as a high-performance printer, and we can comfortably say that it does live up to that moniker. The printer was able to handle a high load of print tasks and also print in an acceptable amount of time.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it. The  PIXMA TS7770 is an Inkjet printer, so compared to other printers in its price point, it’s neither the fastest nor is it the slowest. That said, if you’re looking to do monochrome printing, you may be better off looking at laser printers that print at much faster speeds. Be that as it may, the PIXMA TS7770 was able to print about 15 pages a minute in black and white and about 10 pages in colour during our time with it. That comes up to about 4 seconds a page for monochrome prints and about 6 seconds for colour – which isn’t too bad. However, when it came to photo printing, it was a whole different ballgame. A standard 4R size of 4×6 inches took only about 20 seconds to print. Of course, this doesn’t include the time needed for the ink to dry after which added about a minute or two depending on the colours and details of the print.

Speaking of, the prints that came out of the TS7770 were pretty spot on. When it came to text, the edges of the characters printed were crisp, even at smaller font sizes. The quality of text printing didn’t visibly deteriorate even on economy or draft mode.

When it came to colour printing, the printer was able to pull off some pretty detailed prints. During our time with the printer, we printed out some maps for D&D sessions.  With the varied colours and illustrations, we could see that print quality was generally very good. It was able to handle high-resolution prints fairly easily and was able to reproduce illustrated colours with high accuracy. Lower-resolution prints were acceptable. Of course, the amount of detail depended heavily on the resolution of the source. There was also little to no visual banding; that is – until you ran low on ink. Overall, with illustrations, it did pretty well. This rang true even when it came to photo prints. The resulting photos were sharp and had high colour accuracy. However, if there was one issue I had with the printer it would be that photos or glossy prints tended to smear very readily and you needed to be careful handling it. This was also the same with glossy sticker paper.

Total Cost of Ownership and Other Features

The Canon PIXMA TS7770 isn’t just a printer. It comes with a scanner as well. This scanner is capable of 8- and 16-bit scans. This means that you’ll be able to scan documents and photos with a lot of detail and colour depth. This is true for both colour and monochrome scans. The scanner also allows it to act as a photocopy machine.

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The printer’s built-in LED screen comes with a simple interface for its key features. You can copy, scan and print with a touch of the screen. Of course, if you’re connected wirelessly, prints can be sent without needing to interact physically with the printer. It’s also relatively silent when printing, scanning or copying.

Let’s talk about the cost of ownership – the Canon PIXMA TS7770 has a recommended retail price (RRP) of RM1,200 at the time of writing. However, we’ve seen some outlets selling the printer at RM1,580. The printer needs a colour ink cartridge and a black ink cartridge to print. The colour cartridge has an RRP of RM137, while the black has an RRP of RM95. Each of the cartridges lasts for about 180 pages only. So assuming you print 300 pages a month for both colour and black, you’ll be spending RM232 on ink alone every month excluding the cost of the printer itself. This is a tad high in our opinion given the options with ink tanks available in the market. That said, if you want detailed photo prints and even something that can be used for crafts, you may still want to consider the PIXMA TS7770 simply because of the added benefits of the high resolution.

A Complete Offering for Casual Users or Small and Medium Businesses Looking for A High-Performance Printer that Does It All

The Canon PIXMA TS7770 is a jack of all trades when it comes to printers. That said, users who require high-quality graphical or photo prints should be looking at this printer as a solid option. However, if budget is a big consideration, you may be better off looking at some of Canon’s other offerings as the cost of ownership can add up.

All in all, it’s a solid option for those looking for a printer that delivers convenience, features, compatibility and print quality.

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle

PRISM+ Q100 Ultra Brings the Big Screen Into Your Living Room

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The PRISM+ Q100 Ultra is a new addition to the company’s Google TV lineup, presenting a large 100-inch QLED display designed for a comprehensive home entertainment experience. This model aims to combine enhanced visuals, immersive audio, and smart TV capabilities. Let’s examine the technical details that define the Q100 Ultra.

PRISM+ Launches Super Sized TV, The Q100 Ultra
Source: PRISM+

At the heart of the Q100 Ultra is its 4K QLED display. QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) technology utilizes quantum dots to enhance color reproduction, resulting in a wider color gamut and more vibrant images compared to standard LED displays. The 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) ensures detailed visuals, bringing content to life with clarity. For smoother motion, particularly in gaming and fast-paced video, the Q100 Ultra incorporates a 120Hz refresh rate. This is further complemented by a dedicated Game Mode, which is designed to reduce input lag for a more responsive gaming experience. To enhance contrast and black levels, the Q100 Ultra features Full-Array Local Dimming. This technology divides the screen into independently dimmable zones, allowing for deeper blacks and brighter whites, contributing to a more dynamic image.

Complementing the visual experience is the Q100 Ultra’s audio system. The TV is equipped with a 2.1.2ch Dolby Atmos sound system. This configuration includes two top-firing speakers, two down-firing speakers, and a 40W subwoofer. Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that aims to create a more immersive listening experience by placing sounds in a three-dimensional space around the viewer. This configuration aims to provide a more encompassing audio experience.

PRISM+ Launches Q100 Ultra
Source: PRISM+

To further enhance the viewing experience, especially with fast-moving content, the Q100 Ultra includes Motion Smoothing (MEMC) technology. This technology analyzes the video content and inserts frames to reduce motion blur, resulting in smoother on-screen action.

The Q100 Ultra operates on the Google TV platform, providing access to a wide range of streaming services and applications. Google TV offers several key features: personalized profiles for tailored content recommendations, Google Assistant voice control for hands-free operation, built-in Chromecast for convenient screen mirroring from compatible devices, and a Kids Profile with parental controls for managing children’s viewing. The Google TV Play Store also provides access to a broader selection of apps and services. PRISM+ has partnered with content providers such as meWATCH, Viu, WeTV, and Durioo+, offering complimentary premium subscriptions for varying durations, expanding the available entertainment options.

Pricing & Availability

The PRISM+ Q100 Ultra is available for pre-order starting January 9, 2024, with deliveries beginning from mid to late January.

  • Price: RM12,999 (approximately US$3,070)
  • Pre-order Promotions:
    • Online Store: Free Rhythm Soundbar (worth RM999) with every purchase.
    • Retail Stores: Instant RM888 discount with Visa or Mastercard purchases (without the free soundbar).
    • Free Delivery and Installation (worth RM2,000).
    • Free 36-month Viu subscription, 3-month WeTV, meWATCH, and Durioo+ subscriptions.

Disclaimer: These US$ prices are approximate conversions based on current exchange rates and may not reflect the final retail prices in other regions. Actual pricing may vary due to import costs, taxes, and retailer markups. Please check with local retailers or the official PRISM+ website for the most accurate pricing information.

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle

[CES 2025] Samsung Unveils Vision AI: Transforming Screens into Intelligent Companions

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Samsung‘s announcements at CES 2025‘s First Look were a glimpse into the future of display technology, and a major highlight was the unveiling of Vision AI. This isn’t just a new feature; it’s a paradigm shift for Samsung, marking a move towards intelligent screens that can adapt to our needs and preferences. Let’s delve into what Vision AI is all about, and how it’s transforming Samsung’s TV and monitor lineup in exciting ways.

Samsung TVs and Displays CES 2025 Samsung Vision AI and Display Lineups dl1
Source: Samsung

What is Vision AI?

Imagine a TV that can “see” its surroundings, understand what you’re watching, and even adjust its settings accordingly. That’s the core concept behind Vision AI. It utilizes a combination of advanced image recognition, sensor data, and machine learning to transform your screen into a more personalized and intelligent experience. Here’s a closer look at what Vision AI can do:

  • Environment Awareness: Vision AI equips Samsung TVs with a sense of their surroundings. Light sensors can detect ambient lighting conditions, allowing the TV to automatically adjust brightness and picture settings for optimal viewing in any environment. This not only improves the viewing experience but can also help reduce eye strain.
  • Content Recognition: Vision AI can analyze what’s on the screen using advanced image recognition. Is it a fast-paced action movie, a nature documentary, or a late-night news broadcast? Vision AI can identify the content type and adjust settings accordingly. Imagine a movie switching to a more dynamic picture mode for enhanced visuals, or a news broadcast with clearer dialogue emphasis.
  • User Preferences: Vision AI goes beyond just analyzing content; it learns your preferences too. By observing your viewing habits, it can recommend content you might enjoy, similar to how streaming services do. It can also personalize settings based on your preferences. A sports fan might prefer a more vivid color profile, while a gamer might prioritize low input lag for a smoother experience.
  • Smart Home Integration: Vision AI doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It connects with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem, allowing your TV to become a central hub for your smart home. Imagine using voice commands to adjust the room temperature through your connected thermostat, or receiving notifications on your screen about security cameras while you’re watching a movie.

Samsung Vision AI in Action: A Look at the New Lineup

Samsung TVs and Displays CES 2025 Samsung Vision AI and Display Lineups dl5
Source: Samsung

Samsung didn’t just announce Vision AI; they showcased how it’s integrated into their latest TV lineup. Here are some of the highlights:

Neo QLED 8K QN990F

The flagship Neo QLED 8K QN990F takes full advantage of Vision AI. Its Object Tracking Sound Pro utilizes AI to match the movement of objects on screen with corresponding audio directionality, creating a more immersive soundscape. Additionally, Vision AI can automatically adjust its groundbreaking Mini LED backlight technology based on the content being displayed, optimizing both picture quality and energy efficiency.

The Frame

Samsung’s popular The Frame TV gets even smarter with Vision AI. This innovative TV is designed to blend seamlessly into your wall when not in use, displaying beautiful artwork instead of a blank screen. Vision AI can analyze the lighting conditions in the room and adjust the brightness of the artwork display for a more natural look. It can even recommend artwork based on your taste and surroundings.

Smart Monitor M9

Vision AI isn’t just for TVs; it’s expanding to monitors as well. The Smart Monitor M9 utilizes AI to automatically adjust brightness and color temperature based on the ambient light and the content being displayed. This can be particularly beneficial for designers, content creators, and anyone who spends long hours in front of a monitor.

Beyond the Screen: The Future of Vision AI

Vision AI represents a significant step forward for Samsung and a glimpse into the future of display technology. However, it’s important to remember that it’s still a new technology. Here are some areas where we might see Vision AI evolve:

Samsung TVs and Displays CES 2025 Samsung Vision AI and Display Lineups dl10
Source: Samsung
  • Enhanced Content Recommendations: Currently, Vision AI can recommend content based on your viewing habits. In the future, it could integrate with streaming services to offer more personalized recommendations based on your broader entertainment preferences, including movies, TV shows, and music.
  • Voice and Gesture Control: Vision AI could be integrated with advanced voice and gesture control systems. Imagine raising your hand to adjust the volume or using voice commands to search for specific content.
  • Health and Wellness Integration: Vision AI could be used to promote healthy viewing habits. It could remind you to take breaks or adjust the screen brightness to reduce eye strain.

The Takeaway: A New Era of Personalized Entertainment

Samsung’s Vision AI marks a turning point in display technology. It’s a move away from static screens and towards intelligent companions that can adapt to our needs and preferences. With its ability to personalize the viewing experience, integrate with smart homes, and potentially promote healthy habits,

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle

[CES 2025] Samsung TVs Embrace Eclipsa Audio

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Get ready for a revolution in how you experience sound on your TV. At CES 2025, Samsung unveiled Eclipsa Audio, a groundbreaking 3D audio technology co-developed with Google. This isn’t just about adding a few extra speakers; Eclipsa Audio promises to completely transform the way we hear audio content on our TVs. Let’s dive into what Eclipsa Audio is, why its integration into Samsung TVs is a significant development, and how it could change the way you watch movies, TV shows, and even play games.

Samsung TVs and Displays CES 2025 Samsung Vision AI and Display Lineups dl2

What is Eclipsa Audio?

Imagine a world where sound doesn’t just come from your TV speakers, but surrounds you, creating a truly immersive experience. That’s the core idea behind Eclipsa Audio. This technology utilizes advanced object-based audio techniques to manipulate the location, intensity, and spatial effects of sounds. Here’s what that means in practical terms:

  • Precise Sound Positioning: Eclipsa Audio lets creators pinpoint the exact location of sounds within a 3D space. Imagine the roar of a jet fighter moving across the screen, or the pitter-patter of rain falling all around you. This level of detail aims to create a more realistic and engaging audio experience.
  • Enhanced Sound Intensity: Eclipsa Audio allows for dynamic control of sound intensity. A whisper at the back of the room can be made audible, while a character’s booming voice can have real impact. This creates a more nuanced and impactful soundscape.
  • Spatial Effects: Eclipsa Audio goes beyond just positioning and intensity. It allows creators to introduce subtle spatial effects that enhance the atmosphere of a scene. Imagine the hushed ambiance of a crowded marketplace or the echo of footsteps in a vast cathedral. These effects can create a more immersive and believable soundscape.

Why is Eclipsa Audio a Big Deal?

Current surround sound systems, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, do a great job of creating a sense of immersion. However, they rely on pre-defined speaker layouts and channels. Eclipsa Audio, on the other hand, is more flexible. It can adapt to any speaker configuration, including traditional setups and even soundbars. This makes it a potentially more accessible format for a wider range of viewers.

Another key advantage of Eclipsa Audio is its focus on creator control. With this technology, content creators have more tools to sculpt the soundscape of their vision. Think about the difference between watching a movie in a standard theater versus a high-end Dolby Atmos theater. Eclipsa Audio aims to give directors and sound designers that same level of creative control, ultimately leading to a potentially richer and more immersive audio experience for viewers.

Samsung & Google Partner to Bring Eclipsa Audio to Your Living Room

The real magic of Eclipsa Audio lies not just in the technology itself, but in Samsung’s commitment to integrating it into their 2025 TV lineup. This includes everything from the Crystal UHD models to the flagship Neo QLED 8K models. This broad inclusion ensures that a wide range of Samsung TVs, regardless of price point, will have the capability to deliver Eclipsa Audio content.

2021 Soundbar MKT F05 11 1 4ch sound Dolby ATMOS DTS X PC jpg
Source: Samsung

Furthermore, Samsung isn’t going it alone. Their partnership with Google signifies a broader push toward making Eclipsa Audio an industry standard. Google is integrating Eclipsa Audio support into YouTube, one of the world’s largest streaming platforms. This means that starting in 2025, creators uploading content to YouTube will have the option to utilize Eclipsa Audio tracks alongside their videos. This ensures a ready source of Eclipsa Audio-compatible content for viewers who own Samsung TVs with the technology.

What This Means for You: A New Approach to TV Sound

The integration of Eclipsa Audio into Samsung TVs represents a significant leap forward in home entertainment technology. Here’s a glimpse into what this could mean for you:

  • More Immersive Entertainment: Imagine watching a movie where the sound truly surrounds you, creating a more realistic and engaging experience. With Eclipsa Audio, movies, TV shows, and even games could take on a whole new level of immersion.
  • Content Creator Freedom: Creators will have more tools to enhance their storytelling through impactful and nuanced sound design. This could lead to a new wave of content that truly pushes the boundaries of audio storytelling.
  • Accessibility Matters: Eclipsa Audio doesn’t require elaborate speaker setups. Even with traditional soundbars or TV speakers, Eclipsa Audio can potentially deliver a more immersive listening experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Eclipsa Audio

While Eclipsa Audio is a significant step forward, it’s important to remember that it’s still a new technology. The success of Eclipsa Audio will depend on several factors, including content creation, the hardware ecosystem and overall consumer adoption.

The availability of Eclipsa Audio content will be crucial for its widespread adoption. Google’s integration of Eclipsa Audio into YouTube is a promising start, but wider adoption by other streaming services and content creators will be essential. While Eclipsa Audio is designed to be flexible with different speaker configurations, dedicated Eclipsa Audio sound systems or soundbars could further enhance the experience. It remains to be seen how manufacturers will develop products specifically designed to take full advantage of this technology.

Ultimately, the success of Eclipsa Audio will depend on consumer adoption. If viewers embrace the enhanced audio experience, it could become a new standard in home entertainment.

The Bigger Picture: Sound as a Key Component of Immersive Experiences

Samsung’s integration of Eclipsa Audio highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry: the increasing importance of sound as a key component of immersive experiences. For years, advancements in display technology have taken center stage, with higher resolutions, better color accuracy, and improved contrast. Now, it seems that audio is finally catching up.

Eclipsa Audio isn’t just about adding more bass or creating a wider soundstage; it’s about creating a more realistic and engaging audio environment that complements the visuals on screen. This shift towards more immersive soundscapes could have a profound impact on how we experience all forms of media, from movies and TV shows to video games and even virtual reality.

A New Era of Home Entertainment?

Samsung’s embrace of Eclipsa Audio, in partnership with Google, is a significant move that could potentially reshape the landscape of home entertainment audio. By giving content creators more control over sound design and making immersive audio more accessible to consumers, Eclipsa Audio has the potential to become a new standard in the industry.

While it’s still early days, the potential of Eclipsa Audio is undeniable. It represents a move beyond traditional channel-based audio, offering a more nuanced, realistic, and immersive sound experience. If content creators embrace the technology and the hardware ecosystem develops accordingly, we could be on the cusp of a new era in home entertainment audio. Keep an ear out for more news and real-world demonstrations as Eclipsa Audio makes its way into our living rooms in 2025. This is definitely one to watch (and listen to).

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle

Hisense Showcases Gaming and Home Entertainment Offerings at IFA 2024

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Hisense is flexing real hard at IFA 2024. The company is showcasing its innovative large-screen displays and gaming-enhancing partnerships. However, instead of focusing on AI, the company is sharing a new, refreshing approach called “Scenario-driven Tech”.

Gaming Immersion with 100-inch TVs and Partnership with Black Myth: Wukong

Hisense is doubling down on its partnership with the recent hit game, Black Myth: Wukong. The company leveraged its partnership to showcase its new 100-inch displays. The company’s 100-inch U7 and E7 PRO TVs are, specifically designed for gaming. The displays come with vibrant colours, 4K resolution and immersive audio that help bring the world of Black Myth: Wukong to life.

Hisense Wukon

Joining the lineup of TVs is Hisense’s range of laser displays. The Hisense Laser Cinema PX3-PRO, certified as “Designed for Xbox,” offers a super large, immersive projection size of up to 150 inches. The projector’s high refresh rate and advanced features deliver smooth, lag-free gameplay and stunning visuals.

The Hisense Laser Smart Mini Projector C2 Ultra, also certified for Xbox, provides a versatile projection experience with a range of 65 to 300 inches. Its high brightness, contrast ratio, and advanced features make it ideal for gaming and entertainment.

Expanding Home Entertainment with ULED X and Canvas TV Series

Hisense also introduced its new ULED X and Canvas TV series, catering to the diverse entertainment needs of families. The Hisense ULED X Mini LED 110-inch UX offers a cinematic experience with its exceptional picture quality and immersion. The TV leverages Mini LED technology to deliver vibrant, true-to-life colours.

PR photo 1
Hisense Laser Smart Mini Projector C2 Ultra delivers a next-level immersive large-screen gaming experience on Xbox

The Hisense Canvas TV 65-inch S7 combines art and technology, transforming into a personal art gallery with its Art Mode. The anti-glare Hi-Matte Display and customizable StyleSwap Frames create a unique and visually appealing experience.

Hisense has not indicated any release date for the devices showcased at IFA 2024. However, it’s worth noting that some of them are already available in markets globally.

Consumer Electronics

Toshiba Malaysia Unveils New Showroom, Launches Exciting Buy & Win Campaign

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Toshiba has unveiled its newly renovated showroom in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The showroom will not only serve as a customer service touchpoint but will also showcase Toshiba’s latest home appliances. It also marks a significant investment in enhancing the customer experience in Malaysia. The RM500,000 revamp aims to provide customers with a premium and immersive shopping environment.

Toshiba showroom (2)

To celebrate the showroom’s grand reopening, Toshiba has launched the “Beyond Details Buy & Win” campaign. Running from August 1st to January 15th, 2025, this campaign offers customers a chance to win a Lexus ES250 Premium with every purchase of Toshiba products.

The revamped showroom features Toshiba’s innovative JAPANDi-style appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and small kitchen appliances. This curated collection highlights the company’s focus on combining modern technology with aesthetic appeal.

Toshiba showroom

In addition to the “Beyond Details Buy & Win” campaign, the company has introduced the “Sama-Sama Gemilang” campaign, offering customers the opportunity to purchase a free electrical toaster or blender with selected appliance purchases. This promotion runs from August 1st to September 30th, 2024.

Consumer Electronics, News

Better Cooling & Larger Capacities with Haier’s 2024 Lineup of Refrigerators & Wine Chillers

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Haier is no stranger to home appliances. The company has recorded an impressive 43% year-on-year (YoY) growth for the first half of 2024. In line with that growth, the company is bringing a whole new lineup of Refrigerators, Freezers and Wine Chillers to bolster its 2024 home appliances. The new lineup comes with a total of 12 models and variants to cater for any home size and need.

New Technology Provides Peace of Mind with Haier’s New Refridgerators

The new lineup is spearheaded by the new HRF-IM758FG(SG)U1 – a 4 door mega capacity fridge complete with the latest technology for food preservation. One of the many features is “Fresher Shield” that prevents thermal shock when defrosting food by minimising heat transfer. The new “Humidity Control System” allows you to keep your perishables fresher for longer as well. The system takes advantage of separated wet and dry zones as well as separate humidity levels to fit the food stuffs being stored. Freshness is also prolonged with a brand new ABT-PRO technology that uses UV light and a photocatalyst filter to ionise air. This destroys bacteria and eliminates odours.

02 Haier COOLING Launch
The management team of Haier Malaysia unveiled their new COOLING lineup, featuring advanced technologies that elevate home refrigeration standards to extend food freshness (From Left: Mr Julian Thean, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing Assistant Director, Mr Zhou Yong Jiang, Haier HQ Product Manager, Mr Eric Meng, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing & Sell Out Director, Mr Fan Jing, Haier Malaysia Managing Director & Mr Patrick Seow, Haier Malaysia Chief Operating Officer)

The new HRF-IM785FG(SG)U1 also makes storing your 785L of food items easier with ample room and separated storage and humidity controls. This also allows foods to be kept in optimal conditions maximising shelf life. Strategically placed air vents on every level of the cavernous, compartmentalized space further facilitate this. The fridge also comes with a lighting system that bathes the interior with gentle light and provides clear visibility of items even those at the back. The fridge also comes with AIoT features that allow you to control its settings via the HaiSmart App and it also has twin inverter technology for energy efficiency.

04 Haier COOLING Launch
Alana Dunsmore (@alanaspinktravels), a Scottish mualaf content creator shares her personal experience using a Haier fridge at home to complement her food and beverages exploration

Complementing this flagship is Haier’s Multidoor HRF 585 and 480 series which come with 529L and 480L capacity respectively. There are multiple variants of these series and they come with features that make storing foods and drinks a non-issue. The Magic Zone compartment uses an advanced ventilation system to control the flow of cold air with temperature settings that can be set at 0°C, 2°C, and 4°C for optimal storage of meats, fish and dairy. The 585 comes with a 95° anti-tipping bottle holder that minimises spillage. These models also come with twin inverter technology with a 20-year warranty.

Chilling Solutions for Your Spirits and Long-Term Storage

Haier also launched its HWS-84G & 49G Wine Cellars. These units will help you keep your spirits at their perfect temperature. They are VDE-validated to maintain a constant temperature and the right humidity, providing the best storage environment for wines and spirits.

The cellar comes with a triple-layered glass door that helps block out harmful UV rays while insulating the inside environs preventing temperature fluctuations. Both can store your wine at temperatures of about 5°C to 20°C, with a humidity range of 50-70%.

03 Haier COOLING Launch
The management team of Haier Malaysia with the newly launched freezers and wine cellars (From Left: Mr Zhou Yong Jiang, Haier HQ Product Manager, Mr Eric Meng, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing & Sell Out Director, Mr Fan Jing, Haier Malaysia Managing Director, Mr Patrick Seow, Haier Malaysia Chief Operating Officer, &
Mr. Julian Thean, Haier Malaysia Brand Marketing Assistant Director)

Things get sub-zero when it comes to Haier’s new line of upright freezers. The new HUR-181NE, HUR-261NE and HUR331NE Upright freezers offer a multilayered layout for easy, organized storage with temperatures as low as -24°C. It can also accommodate regular refrigeration with temperatures as high as 8°C. These freezers come with Haier’s Pro Frost-free cooling technology that allows them to circulate air uniformly, saving electricity. They’re also quiet running at a low 37dB.

Pricing & Availability

Haier’s flagship HRF-IM758FG(SG)U1 refrigerator will be available starting in August. It will be available in a sleek grey design with a slate texture for RM7,899.

The Multi Door 585 model will be priced at RM3,899 and RM4,399 depending on its finish and features. It will be available with options with a glass or metal chassis and in four colours: gemstone blue, glass white, glass black and metal black. The model will be available starting in August.

Meanwhile, the Multi door 480 model will be available starting in August. It will be available in a piano black glass chassis and a gemstone blue metal chassis. Priced at RM3,399 and RM3,499.

The 84-bottle capacity HWS-84G retails for RM5,499 and the smaller 49-bottle capacity HWS-49G retails for RM3,999.

These new freezers retail at RM2,199 for HUR-181NE, RM3,099 for HUR-261NE and
RM3,699 for HUR-331NE.

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle, News

Apple’s HomePod Mini Now Comes in a Striking Midnight Colourway

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Apple has expanded its popular HomePod mini lineup with the introduction of a stylish new colour option – Midnight. Joining the existing white, blue, yellow, and orange options, the Midnight HomePod mini offers a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into any home environment.

Apple HomePod mini color lineup inline jpg.large 2x.jpg
Source: Apple

Despite the new colour, the core functionalities and design of the HomePod mini remain unchanged. This compact smart speaker continues to deliver impressive sound quality with its full-range driver, dual force-cancelling passive radiators, and Apple’s computational audio technology.

The HomePod mini thrives as the heart of your smart home, seamlessly connecting with your Apple devices to control a variety of accessories. Using intuitive voice commands via Siri, you can adjust lighting, control thermostats, manage smart plugs, and access a variety of other features.

Apple HomePod mini midnight
Source: Apple

Apple prioritizes user privacy and security within the HomePod mini. On-device intelligence ensures your requests are processed without sending information to the cloud unless explicitly requested. Additionally, features like personalized listening profiles and secure authentication further enhance user privacy.

The HomePod mini in Midnight doesn’t compromise on functionality. You can still utilize the intercom feature to broadcast announcements throughout your house, and pair two HomePod mini speakers for immersive stereo sound.

Pricing & Availability

The Apple HomePod mini in Midnight will be retailing for USD$99 internationally and for RM529 in Malaysia. It’s now available for order from Apple’s website and the Apple Store app While Apple hasn’t revealed the official pricing details for the Midnight HomePod mini in Malaysia, it is expected to be priced similarly to the existing colour options, which retail for RM99.

Android, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, News

Play For Dream MR Takes on Apple’s Vision Pro at a Lower Price Point

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Play for Dream Technology, a mixed reality company currently based out of China, is taking Apple’s Vision Pro head-on with its new Play for Dream MR. The new mixed reality headset is not only bringing a lot of the features that made Apple’s Vision Pro notable, but it’s also making some big improvements.

Play For Dream MR 8

The Play for Dream MR headset runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR+ Gen 2. The processor is built from the ground up for Mixed and Extended-reality experiences. It has 16GB of RAM supporting this processor and is available with up to 1TB of onboard storage. When it comes to optics, the Play for Dream MR comes with two 8K micro OLED screens – one per eye. Unlike other mixed-reality headsets, the Play for Dream MR headset comes with a Pancake optics solution that is developed by the team at Play for Dream Technologies. The company’s solution is made of ultra-lightweight resin which reduces the weight of the lenses tremendously. According to the company, it’s the lightest available right now.

Design-wise, the same approach is also being used when it comes to the design of the wearable. The MR headset is built to not only look futuristic but also be light. The main factor behind this approach is simply the comfort of wearing the headset over prolonged periods of time. The headset is only 33mm thick and even has a built-in battery. You can also get extra juice with an additional power bank for even longer MR sessions. It’s also designed with a 3:2 weight distribution to minimise neck strain.

Play For Dream MR 16

There are a total of 11 high-performance cameras that are paired with 7 different types of sensors and 22 infra-red LEDs for precise multimodal interaction. The main cameras on the Play For Dream MR are dual 32-megapixel sensors which are used for view through for extended and augmented-reality application. In addition, these cameras can also be used to capture immersive, 3D content that can be used with the Play for Dream MR. The MR also has a large 103° field of view with about 45 pixels per degree (PPD).

On top of these specs, Play for Dream Technologies has also developed its own MR OS called DreamOS based on Android. This OS while built on Android expands the capabilities of it to include productivity features, the ability to create 3D content and more. What could be a hallmark feature when it comes to the MR is its AI Assistant, Xiao Hu. The cute, furry little creature is the Play for Dream MR’s visual manifestation of Iron Man’s Jarvis. For now, Xiao Hu is able to handle searches, music composition, translation and precise voice control. That said, Xiao Hu is only one of the AI features that will be coming with the MR.

Play For Dream MR 4

While augmented- and mixed-reality are amazing, it’s not worth much if there’s no content. Play For Dream Technologies is partnering with over 100 content companies to ensure that the platform has a robust app and content ecosystem. In addition, partners like Unity are helping the company figure out apps as both immersive 3D experiences and regular app experiences. When it comes to content, the headset is able to provide an immersive theatrical experience as the in OS screen can provide experiences that mimic a screen that is over 1000-inches big.

The development of immersive content experiences has also influenced the design and features of the headset. The Play for Dream MR comes with speakers that are able to deliver DTS:X audio and IMAX immersive audio. These speakers are developed in partnership with Xperi (the company behind DTS:X) and IMAX. The built-in speakers are able to deliver simulated 7.1-channel audio that has been IMAX Enhanced certified. The built-in speakers are also able to create 3D immersive sound. CEO and Founder of Play for Dream, Huang Feng, mentioned that the company chose to go with built-in speakers to create a more immersive experience but more importantly, to provide an integrated experience that is more conducive to long hours of use. He iterated that using earbuds may not be the best option.

Play For Dream MR 12

Like other VR headsets, the MR comes with controllers or joysticks. These controllers come with 6DoF and lack the halo design we’re used to seeing in other systems. However, they are more accurate and have better range of movement. In addition, the Play for Dream MR has basic and advanced gesture controls. These gestures are developed in collaboration with Sogou, a company that has already made waves with gestures based controls in the past. These gestures are detected by the large number of sensors on the headset. These sensors are supposedly able to track the gestures with increased accuracy and precision.

Pricing & Availability

The only official pricing announced during the launch of the Play for Dream MR is USD$1X99 – which is a fraction of the price of the Apple Vision Pro. However, the MR will be rolling out officially in Malaysia and Singapore starting in October 2024. Other Asia Pacific countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and more will follow in 2025.

We expect that the headset will be priced at about USD$1,899 or just a tad bit lower. However, at this point, the MR is entering a market which is stagnating barring the interest behind the Apple Vision Pro. However, with an option that is not only cheaper, but more open for everyone with a lower price point and what looks like to be a promising competitor that can invigorate the space when it comes to gaming and even how we consume our conent.