Category Archives: Consumer Electronics

Samsung Marries AI with Robot Vacuums in the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo

It seems like CES 2024 is going to be jam-packed with announcements. Samsung is joining the likes of LG in teasing a few of its announcements ahead of the expo happening in Las Vegas from 9th to 12th January 2024. However, with its tease of a brand new lineup of vacuums, a theme is beginning to emerge for the company’s products for the year – AI.

The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo is, as the name indicates, a combo robot vacuum and mop. Samsung is not calling the robot cleaner an AI-enabled device though. Instead, the company is calling it an AI-applied device. Samsung is building on the foundations of its Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ with the new enhancements that the new Bespoke Jet Bot Combo is bringing.

Bespoke Jet Bot Combo dl1
Source: Samsung

Most notable among the enhancements in the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo is the improved AI Object Recognition. The new AI Object Recognition comes with an expanded number of objects that can be recognised as well as more precise driving thanks to the 3D sensor. It’s also bringing improvements that allow it to recognise spaces and stains for a more optimised cleaning experience. The AI allows for better space recognition that allows it to recognise different spaces like the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom. It will also be able to automatically suggest “no-go” zones like the bathroom, veranda or entrance. So you’ll be able to tell the vacuum to avoid those areas.

The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo can even sense the floor type for enhanced cleaning with a new feature called AI Floor Detect. This feature allows the robot to differentiate between hard floors and carpeting. It also helps prevent carpets from getting damp and wet from the mop pads. This feature also allows the Jet Bot to raise and lower the mop pads when needed. It can even detach the mop pads at the base for cleaning carpeted areas or preventing cross-contamination.

The base provides a more intelligent cleaning experience. It uses a high-temperature steam for sterilization for cleaning of the mop pads. This can be done mid-cleaning when the Jet Bot detects that it is cleaning a stain. After cleaning the base uses a 3-step total cleaning system which automatically washes the pads, steam sterilizes and dries the mops with hot air.

Pricing & Availability

Samsung has not revealed any pricing details just yet. However, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo will be at the company’s CES 2024 booth in Las Vegas.

LG’s 2024 QNED & QNED Mini LED TVs Come with Chromecast Built-in

LG‘s TV line up just got a little bit interesting for 2024 with Chromecast functionality finally coming built-in to the new systems. Ahead of CES 2024, LG has taken the opportunity to announce a refresh to its QNED and QNED Mini LED TVs. Notably missing in its refresh announcement is the company’s OLED TVs which we’re certain will take center stage at CES 2024.

LG QNED 01
Source: LG

The new LG QNED and QNED Mini LED TVs will be coming with one of three different processors: the α9 AI Processor, the α8 AI Processor and the α5 AI Processor. Higher end lines like the QNED99T models will be equipped with the α9 AI Processor. While mid-range lines like the QNED90T and QNED85T will feature an upgraded α8 AI Processor. The processor brings an impressive 30% improvement in AI performance over the previous and a 230% increase in graphical performance. The chip is the brains behind the upscaling and AI capabilities we’re used to seeing in LG’s smart TVs. The lower end models in the QNED80T lineup will be running on LG’s lower-end α5 AI Processor.

A Supersized 2024 LG QNED & QNED Mini LED Lineup

The 2024 QNED and QNED Mini LED TVs are supersized. Capping out at 98-inches with the LG QNED85T line. That said, all the new QNED and Mini LED TVs will be available in 43-,50-,55-,65-,75- and 86-inch sizes. These TVs come with LCD display technology and Quantum Dot and Nanocell technology depending on their product lines. The higher models in the line up will come with QNED (Quantum Dot and Nanocell) panels for the display while mid- and lower-end models will come with LCD panels.

Together with the hardware, the LG TV line up will be coming with a lot of the features we’ve come to expect from LG’s TVs. This includes AI upscaling, AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro. AI Sound Pro, which was introduced back in 2021, brings 9.1.2 surround sound to the native without a soundbar. More notably, LG is bringing Chromecast technology to the 2024 lineup of TVs. This feature was noticeably absent for year as LG has already enabled AirPlay 2.

The new line up will come with webOS 24 out of the box. LG is providing 5 years of software updates for its TVs moving forward as part of its webOS Re:new program. This will also apply to retroactively to LG’s 2022 line up of QNED 8K TVs. More details on which models will be provided at a later date.

Pricing & Availability

LG hasn’t announced any pricing or availability information at the time of writing. However, the TVs are being displayed in Las Vegas as part of CES 2024.

Canon Marketing Malaysia Announces New Strategic Leadership

canon leadership

Canon Marketing Malaysia has announced changes to its strategic leadership, set to take effect on 2 January 2024. These appointments are poised to drive growth and foster innovation in the Malaysian market.

Masato Yoshiie Assumes Role of President and CEO

Masato Yoshiie succeeds Shunji Yoshikai as President and CEO. Yoshiie brings a wealth of experience across Canon’s global operations, along with a track record of steering successful business expansions and product launches. His deep understanding of Asian markets and customer-centric vision will be a driving force for Canon’s new chapter in Malaysia.

Edward Chang to Lead Image Communication Business Division

Edward Chang steps up as the Head of Image Communication Business (ICB) Division, succeeding Hunter Zhang. Chang, equipped with marketing and brand development expertise will play the pivotal role in steering Canon’s BIS business towards sustainable growth.

Jeffrey Kung Takes the Reins of Business Imaging Solution Division

Jeffrey Kung assumes the role of Head of Business Imaging Solution (BIS) Division, stepping into Masato Yoshiie’s former position. Kung’s extensive expertise positions him to guide customers through the complexities of digitalization and hybrid work using BIS’s innovative solutions. His capabilities extend across SME, corporate, and business partner domains.

As Canon Malaysia prepares for this leadership transition, the company has set its sights to continue innovating imaging solutions and achieving customer satisfaction. For more details about its new leadership appointments, visit Canon Malaysia’s official website.

Listeners May Soon Get AI-generated Playlist On Spotify

Before you get all psyched and excited, step on your breaks first. The idea that Spotify users can easily generate a specially curated playlist according to a text prompt, making it much easier and simpler to find music and have it already in an instant playlist, would be a dream! However, this feature is not available to the public and is being tested on a few lucky chosen users.

TechCrunch first reported this new feature as they found out through Spotify that the music streaming company is working on this AI feature but had been tight-lipped on whether it will be publicly rolled out or how the technology works.

Beyond what was confirmed by Spotify themselves that they are working on this new feature, the only other evidence we have of this feature being performed in the wild by the few lucky users that managed to get this rolled out part is through a recent TikTok user by the handle of robdad, which showed a screen recording of them using the new feature and showcasing how it works and where it’s situated.

@robdad_

Since when did they have this update on spotify. Now they got chatGPT making our playlists… also wtf is Which House Exploration😭😭 #spotify #update #ai

♬ Heavy Metal Lover overlapped – jinxknsaudios

In their video, it shows that users who are randomly tested with this feature can find it by pressing the + button by Your Library and scrolling down to see a new addition at the very bottom called AI Playlist with a short explanation that reads “Turn your ideas into a playlist using AI. Currently available only in English” which from the text alone probably means that this feature is being tested in only western regions like UK, US, Ireland, and Canada as that is the similar pattern they did when Spotify first rolled out its first new AI featured known as the DJ which is a personalised Ai guide that will follow your music preference and generate a list to play for you while speaking to you similarly like a DJ would on the radio.

Following the video, when pressing the new option, it brings you to another page in Spotify that shares similarities too many other AI generative sites as it will ask at the top of the page, “What kind of playlist would you like?” and at the bottom has a text bubble where users can type in whatever they’re looking for or mood they are in. Suggested prompts are above the typing space, such as “Get focused at work with instrumental electronics” or “Fill the silence with background café music.”

From there, you can choose any of the example prompts or write in your creative wants, and the AI will process your request. Once it does, it will give you a ready-made playlist with songs that match the descriptions or wants you have written. Users can then have the choice to create the playlist immediately by pressing the start button on the top right, or they can swipe left on the songs to remove the pieces they don’t want within the playlist.

Just from the video alone, the feature looks amazing and will be a game changer for Spotify users, but as of now, Spotify has not given any other comments on the project. Hopefully, it will become available soon, and hopefully, Spotify DJ will come to the Malaysia region soon, too.

Catch Em All! With Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE.

Are you excited about the latest Pokémon Scarlet and Violets DLC launch, The Indigo Disk? Want to shout to the world how big of a Pokemon trainer you are? Samsung has just the thing for you with its latest accessory set that will have your Pokémon loving heart rocking out with some new beats.

Pokemon Eco Friends Cover for Galaxy Buds FE Main KV

Samsung is currently having a special bundle of its latest earbuds, the Galaxy Buds FE. The company is bringing that Pokemon Master spirit to the buds through a collaboration with Eco friends. This collaboration is bringing one of the most important items in a Pokemon trainer’s arsenal to your own – the PokeBall.

For a limited time only, until the 31st of December, customers can get a free Pokémon Great Ball Earbud Cover worth RM 169 when they purchase the Galaxy Buds FE. This gift is available on both in-store and Online purchases. The Galaxy Buds FE are currently being sold for RM399.

Pokemon Eco Friends Cover for Galaxy Buds FE KV Promotion

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t forget to check them out to get your very own Poke ball Earbud Case and enjoy being the coolest Pokémon Trainer you can be with some great new earbuds to listen to your favourite Battle Music.

Xbox Cloud Gaming Is Now Available on Meta Quest

Cloud gaming is about to leap into the future, so get ready, gamers! The launch of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta’s VR headsets is bringing a groundbreaking new method to play hundreds of titles, all without a console.

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You’ll be able to play various games with the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform, including AAA titles like Starfield and Forza Motorsport. All you need to start your new experience with VR is to ensure your Meta Quest software is updated. Of course, you’ll also need a fast internet connection and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

There is a catch, though, you can’t use the controllers that come with the Meta Quest. Instead, you’ll need to use controllers like the Xbox Controller, the DualShock 4 (PlayStation 4), or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. As of now, the DualSense controller (PlayStation 5) is unsupported, but Meta has said support is on the way.

Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)

When using the Xbox Cloud Games app on the Meta Quest, users will be interacting with the app on a big, user-customisable, 2D virtual screen. This screen will display app your games for you to launch and interact with. Meta Quest 3 and Pro players can access full-colour passthrough technology, letting them watch their real-world surroundings even as they stream and play their games.

This beta is only available to Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro headsets. So, those who have any of the older generation of Meta Quest Headsets will be unable to access Xbox Cloud Games.

The Black Shark S1 Pro Smartwatch is Now Available in Malaysia.

Black Shark S1 Pro

Black Shark, a known gaming and tech brand, has recently launched its flagship smartwatch in Malaysia, the Black Shark S1 Pro. Packed with impressive features and a rugged design, this smartwatch aims to cater to the needs of tech-savvy Malaysians.

The Black Shark S1 Pro boasts a rugged design, making it suitable for outdoor activities. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixels resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and up to 600 nits peak brightness. The watch is also rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, making it a wonderful wearable for any adventure and still holds up, whether water or dust.

Besides that, the smartwatch offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. It includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, sleep tracking, and gaming health monitoring. With over 150 watch faces and more than 100 fitness modes, users can personalise their experience and track their activities effectively.

But that is not the best part. The most interesting feature of this smartwatch is that it is equipped with a built-in voice assistant powered by Chat GPT. The Chat GPT integration allows this voice assistant to answer various questions that the user can think from serious to mere random. These nifty features can be used for quick information and assistance, no matter when and where.

Black Shark S1 Pro Smartwatch pricing

Furthermore, the Black Shark S1 Pro offers Bluetooth-based calling and notifications, allowing users to stay connected without reaching for their smartphones. It also supports NFC for convenient contactless payments. Regarding battery life, the smartwatch can last up to 15 days of regular use and up to 30 days on extended standby, ensuring long-lasting performance.

The Black Shark S1 Pro is available in Malaysia in two colour options: Black and Blue. It is priced at RM399 and can be bought from their official stores on Lazada and Shopee

Xiaomi Celebrates Merdeka & Malaysia Day with Prizes & Offers Galore!

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Source: Xiaomi Facebook

Xiaomi is all set to embrace the spirit of patriotism with its Merdeka & Malaysia Day promo. And guess what? They’re inviting you to celebrate along with amazing deals and a chance to win cool prizes!

From 25 August to 24 September, Xiaomi is rolling out a campaign that’s all about giving you more for less. If you’re eyeing the latest smartphones or looking to upgrade your smart home game, they have got you covered! And who doesn’t love some savings, right?

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Source: Xiaomi Facebook

So, what’s up for grabs? If you’re looking to pick up a smartphone from the Redmi and Redmi Note series or other smart home products, Xiaomi is offering savings of up to MYR200. This is your chance to treat yourself during this patriotic season. Just be sure to grab them while stocks last at any Authorised Xiaomi store.

xiaomi merdeka 2

On top of these special deals, Xiaomi is also holding a Lucky Draw for lucky participants! You could just be the lucky winner of a Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000, Mi 360° Camera (1080p), and Mi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera 1080p Set! Wanna know how to win? Here’s how:

  1. Purchase selected Xiaomi smartphones and AIoT products.
  2. Strike a pose with the cool props at the Xiaomi Authorised Store.
  3. Share your awesome selfie on your Public Facebook profile and make sure to use the #XiaomiMalaysia and #MerdekawithXiaomi hashtags.
  4. The Lucky Draw winner will be announced on Xiaomi Malaysia’s Facebook page on 5 October.

If you don’t want to miss out on the excitement and keep tabs on the latest updates, you can visit Xiaomi Malaysia’s Facebook Page.

Canon Launches E-Store & Brings the Shopping to You

1 The E Store offers convenience and round the clock availability bringing Canons range of products closer to its customers

Hold on to your cameras, photographers! Canon Malaysia has just announced the launch of its brand-new E-Store and is giving away special offers of up to 43% off until 25 August 2023.

The launch of the E-Store means you can now purchase a full range of Canon products including cameras, lenses, printers, and other accessories directly from the brand. In addition to the convenience of online shopping, this is also an assurance that you’ll be getting genuine Canon products with proper after-sales warranties. The E-Store also accepts all major payment methods, whether it’s with a credit card, online banking, or even Touch ‘N Go, Canon’s got you covered.

2 The E Store offers convenience and round the clock availability bringing Canons range of products closer to its customers

Let’s talk offers – because who doesn’t love a good deal? You can snag exclusive discounts of up to 43% on some of the latest printers and cameras. But here’s the kicker – it’s for a limited time only. From 3 pm on 22 August 2023 to 3 pm on 25 August 2023, you’ve got the chance to grab these deals. Purchase selected camera and printer models, and you’ll also get your hands on cool merchandise – think sunshades, notebooks, and EOS R caps. Canon is definitely not leaving fans empty-handed.

If you’re aching to add some new sweet tech to the shopping cart, you can head on over to https://store.my.canon/. You can also keep up with the latest updates by following Canon on Facebook and Instagram.

Hisense Unveils Two New TVs for Pre-order in Malaysia

Hisense is no stranger to TVs or appliances. The company has built a name for itself creating some of the most affordable and feature-packed TVs available in the market. It’s looking to keep its performance up with two new offerings coming later this month – the new Hisense U7K ULED Mini LED TV and the Hisense U6K ULED VIDAA TV.

The company hasn’t shared many details when it comes to the TVs though. The one thing that is clear is that the two new TVs are taking aim at two very different users. One looks to fill a niche for gamers while the other seems to want to be the go-to TV for the regular Joe.

Visual Hisense Pre Order Campaign

Here’s a quick rundown of what we know. The Hisense U7K ULED Mini LED TV is coming packed to the brim with features for the gamer. It comes with a Game Mode Pro which pushes the screen’s refresh rate all the way to 144Hz for that crisp gaming experience. As the name suggests, the U7K ULED comes with Mini LED technology and has a 4K resolution. It also comes with over 1,200 local dimming zones. It’s even got Dolby Atmos certification for immersive sound. According to the information Hisense provided, the U7K ULED also comes with 3D technology. We’re not sure if that means that we’re seeing the return of 3D TVs at home but hey… it’s something new. The U7K ULED will be available in sizes ranging from 55 inches to 85 inches.

The Hisense U6K ULED VIDAA TV, on the other hand, comes with full array local dimming technology and quantum dot colour technology. This allows the TV to have lifelike, vibrant colours for stunning, immersive visuals. It’s also got Dolby Atmos for a truly immersive cinematic experience. The U6K ULED will be available in sizes ranging from 55 inches to 75 inches.

Both TVs are going on pre-order ahead of the official launch which is undoubtedly coming soon. During the pre-order period, orders for the U7K and U6K will come with up to MYR3,000 off its retail pricing and a complimentary gaming console. Yep, you’ll be able to get an Xbox Series X, an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo Switch OLED with your pre-order. Pre-orders can be made at any Hisense Authorised Dealers nationwide and Hisense official Shopee Store.

The available sizes, prices and freebies are per the table below.

ModelSizeRetail Price (MYR)Pre-order Price (MYR)Freebies
U7K ULED Mini-LED85-inch14,99911,999Xbox Series X
U7K ULED Mini-LED75-inch9,9998,999Xbox Series X
U7K ULED Mini-LED65-inch7,9996,999Xbox Series X
U7K ULED Mini-LED55-inch6,9995,999Xbox Series S
U6K ULED VIDAA TV75-inch6,9995,999Nintendo Switch OLED
U6K ULED VIDAA TV65-inch4,9994,299Nintendo Switch OLED
U6K ULED VIDAA TV55-inch3,9993,299Nintendo Switch OLED

Keep in mind, that you’ll need to have registered for the product warranty to be eligible for the freebies. The process involves two simple steps: First, fill up the TV Pre-order Google Form and upload the receipt as proof of purchase. Next, register for the product warranty by visiting the Hisense support page. Once these steps and Hisense internal verification are completed, the free gift will be promptly shipped out to the customers.