For avid YouTube users, the platform’s abundance of ads during video playback, especially on smart TVs, can sometimes be more than a minor annoyance. YouTube appears to be listening to its viewers and is testing a new approach to ad delivery that could provide a more seamless watching experience, albeit with longer ad breaks.
YouTube is recognizing that how we watch content is evolving. With more viewers enjoying longer videos on their smart TVs, the current frequency of ad interruptions might not align with the viewing experience. In response, YouTube is experimenting with reducing the number of ads shown but extending their duration.
For many viewers of long-form content on TV screens, having ads scattered throughout a video can be disruptive. Google’s research reveals that 79% of viewers prefer ads that are grouped together rather than spread out in smaller interruptions. To cater to this preference, YouTube is exploring options to provide fewer but longer ad breaks, creating a more seamless viewing experience on larger screens.
Improved Transparency
In addition to fewer, longer ad breaks, YouTube is considering enhancing the transparency of its ad experience. This may include providing viewers with better information about the duration of ad breaks, allowing users to prepare for more extended interruptions.
While these changes are currently experimental, YouTube tends to introduce them if they prove successful and enhance the viewer experience. So, if you’re a regular YouTube viewer on a smart TV, you can look forward to a potentially improved ad experience in the near future. However, if longer ad breaks are not your preference, YouTube Premium remains an ad-free alternative worth considering.
YouTube’s efforts to strike a balance between ads and content are in response to evolving viewer habits. As the platform continues to lead in streaming watch time on connected TVs, it aims to provide an experience that aligns better with the expectations of its audience.
Touch ‘n Go Group is bringing a new dimension to its services with ParkInsure, a first-of-its-kind Personal Accident insurance/takaful tailored for people who use their Touch ‘n Go card at parking facilities.
The new service, priced at just RM5 per month, offers a value-added layer of personal insurance/takaful coverage for users ensuring they have some peace of mind even if things go awry when parked in carparks. Users can seamlessly subscribe to ParkInsure via GOprotect, Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s digital insurance/takaful hub, with the choice of takaful from Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad or conventional insurance from Allianz Malaysia Berhad.
The benefits include reimbursement for permanent disablement or accidental death up to RM70,000, snatch theft inconvenience coverage up to RM1,500, and reimbursement for forcible car break-ins up to RM1,500. Users will also receive a key reimbursement fee of up to RM200 in case of lost or damaged car keys during the coverage period. Additional features include transport reimbursement fees, inconvenience benefits, and more. With over 1,350 Touch ‘n Go payment-enabled parking sites nationwide, ParkInsure offers a tailored and affordable solution to eWallet users. It also offers a layer of protection on top of car insurance policies which users no doubt already have.
Subscribing to ParkInsure is quick, taking less than 3 minutes through GOprotect, with a hassle-free claims process available through the insurers’ 24/7 claim hotline. Users can easily manage their policies and certificates via the “My Policies” tab on their eWallet app. ParkInsure provides a unique and budget-friendly way to ensure coverage against potential incidents within car park compounds, adding an extra layer of security to Touch ‘n Go card users.
When someone tells us that they need a laptop that can do everything, we tend to recommend the modern-day gaming laptop. There is a good reason for that. Modern gaming laptops are not the most budget-friendly laptops to get when all you want to do is browse the web or entertain yourself with YouTube, Netflix, or even Amazon Prime Videos. But they are very good at doing everything beyond that too. You can easily play games casually with gaming laptops, they are powerful enough to quickly edit videos when you want to, and they are even perfect for running multiple screens at the same time so that your TV can easily become a multimedia hub for your home.
That does not mean that any other laptops are pretty much useless. Thin-and-light laptops have come a long way. More precisely, processor technology has advanced to a point where even a thin-and-light laptop can easily drive multiple screens and make rather good multimedia hubs on their own anyway. They are even powerful enough to become remote workstations for light video workflow even if you need them to be.
Take the new Acer Swift Edge 16 for example. It is powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen 7 7735U (up to) CPU. That CPU also includes an AMD Radeon 680M graphics baked into the CPU itself making the Swift Edge 16 an entry-level gaming machine more capable than most thin-and-light laptops in the market. Pair those with an impressive 16-inch OLED 120Hz display with 0.2 ms response time comes with more pixels than most entry-level gaming monitors, you have a winner of a package in the Swift Edge 16.
The point of the new Acer Swift Edge 16 though is not its gaming prowess. It can be a casual entry-level gaming machine when the mood takes you, but it is more its productivity capabilities that might really help. Since it is a powerful enough machine with up to 16GB of on-board LPDDR5 RAM, working with editing suites like Adobe Photoshop or even Illustrator is a breeze. With the high-resolution WQUXGA OLED 120Hz display with up to 400 nits of brightness as well, your images can be edited in rather accurate, vivid colours and with maximum details. The DCI-P3 100% colour gamut supported display with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification should also allow you to enjoy pretty much all sorts of contents from Netflix and YouTube in 4K resolution. Even if you are one of those that prefers to download movies and contents rather than streaming them, you will appreciate the 1TB (up to) SSD storage as well.
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
The 4K display is not just good for entertainment though. The expansive 16-inch display allows you to work with multiple documents without having to squint at every word. The Full HD webcam that supports up to 60fps in video capture and Temporal Noise reduction mic should also deliver a video calling experience like no other. You also get to enjoy all of these for up to 9 hours on a single charge, more than a full workdays’ worth of battery life. When you are on your desk with multiple monitors, you can either connect your Swift Edge 16 to the display via the regular HDMI 2.1 port or via USB Type-C port.
The best part about all of these is that the thin-and-light laptop only weighs 1.17kg and is just below 13mm thin. Thanks to the advanced TwinAir colling technology exclusively developed by Acer, the thin-and-light laptop should keep up with its thermal demands despite the powerful CPU. It looks unique and elegant too in its Flax White guise.
Price and Availability
The Acer Swift Edge 16 is now available from Acer’s authorized retails and concept stores across the nation in Flax White. It will set you back MYR 3,999 onward. In conjunction with Acer Day 2023, the first 30 buyers of the Acer Swift Edge 16 before the 30th of September 2023 will be entitled to gifts worth up to MYR 948 which includes a Porsche Design wireless mouse, an Austin backpack, and Touch n’ Go eWallet credit. Customers also stand a chance to win the Acer Day Monthly giveaways with a prize pool of MYR 100,000. You can head over to their redemption site to participate. For more information on the Acer Swift Edge 16, you can also head over to their website.
CelcomDigi is extending a heartfelt invitation to every Malaysian to participate in crafting a remarkable artwork for Hari Malaysia. This collaborative effort will take centre stage in the country’s grandest crowdsourced Malaysia Day advertisement.
Embracing the spirit of unity and echoing this year’s theme, “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Civilized Malaysia: A Pledge for Unity, Fulfilling Hopes), CelcomDigi aspires to unite Malaysians through an extraordinary piece of art. This artwork will vividly portray our nation’s rich tapestry of cultures, celebrating the diversity that defines us.
Malaysia holds unique significance for each of its citizens, and this initiative provides an ideal platform for Malaysians to express their love for their country and their pride in being Malaysian.
How Can You Contribute to #CelcomDigiHariMalaysia?
Step 1: Let your creativity flow and capture a photograph that encapsulates the Malaysia you hold dear.
Step 2: Share your photo on your Instagram feed with the hashtag #CelcomDigiHariMalaysia.
Step 3: Ensure that your profile is set to public so that your contribution can shine.
Photo submissions are being accepted from now until September 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Don’t hold back; you can submit as many photos as your heart desires. This is your golden opportunity to see your photos displayed on September 16, 2023, on over 60 digital out-of-home billboards, including Celcom Bluecube and Digi Stores throughout the nation!
Join CelcomDigi and fellow Malaysians in crafting a visual masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of our beloved nation. Let your photographs become part of Malaysia’s story this Hari Malaysia.
The digital age of smartphones and apps gave birth to plenty of alternatives for communication methods. We are not really talking about the evolution of 3G to 4G to the current 5G, or whatever that it will evolve into the future. We are talking about going back to messenger apps that sort of lost their appeal when mobile phones became a thing in the Windows XP era. Thanks to the large uptake of an app ecosystem like Apple’s App Store, WhatsApp became a big phenomenon, even bigger than the BlackBerry Messenger. Even with BlackBerry bringing their Messenger app, the rise of apps like Signal, and even Telegram, WhatsApp remains the most popular alternative messenger app you use on your smartphone. There is a good reason for that.
WhatApp, while starting out as a rather simple messenger app for the masses and bridging the gap between Apple iOS and Google Android users, has progressed to become something beyond a simple messenger. The look has not changed all that much to be fair, but the number of features that is packed into the app makes it one of the most complete messenger apps you have out there. One of biggest or most significant updates, at least in our opinions, is the introduction of Communities into the platform. They are not stopping there though.
Source: WA Beta Info
According to the most reliable WhatsApp leak sources, WA Beta Info, WhatsApp is now working on bringing third-party messaging into the platform. This will be in accordance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations that obligate tech companies to offer a more global communication tool that allows users from different platforms to communicate with each other. That also means that you might be able to start texting your friend on Telegram or WeChat without having to download those apps or have any account on the apps and vice versa.
While it has appeared as a Beta feature on WhatsApp Beta version 2.23.19.8 for Android, it does not mean that we will see the feature coming as a fully developed feature anytime soon. There are plenty of things to work on when it comes to third-party app messaging abilities. For one, end-to-end encryption between different apps works rather differently from one another. While a previous interview tells us that the encryption protocol between Signal and WhatsApp is rather similar, there are no guarantees that both apps can communicate with each other without hiccups. There is also a problem of the different programming languages and architecture on the platforms for seamless transition and communication between each of the programs. You also want to keep in mind that not all the features that come out in the Beta version of WhatsApp will be released as a full feature for WhatsApp in the future.
This Beta feature is a little different though. It is developed in compliance with a sanctioned regulation. That also means that we will most likely see the feature being baked into WhatsApp and other messenger apps like Telegram and even Signal. It is just a matter of time.
PayPal debit and credit cardholders can now integrate their cards into the Apple Wallet app, making them accessible for use with Apple Pay. The process is straightforward and can be accomplished in two ways.
Firstly, you can open the iOS PayPal app and find the conspicuous “Pay with your iPhone” banner on the homepage. By tapping this banner, you will be redirected to the Apple Wallet app, where you can conveniently add your PayPal debit or credit cards.
Alternatively, you can add your PayPal cards to your Apple Wallet by opening the app and selecting the plus icon in the display’s upper right corner. Follow the step-by-step instructions to integrate either your PayPal credit card, PayPal debit card, or both into your Wallet app. Once added, you can choose which PayPal card to use for transactions when using Apple Pay.
It’s important to note that Apple retains a small fee of 0.15% of the transaction value, equating to 15 cents for every $100 spent using Apple Pay.
Interestingly, Venmo, a subsidiary of PayPal, is also expected to introduce Apple Pay support for its Venmo credit and debit cards, although this feature has yet to be implemented.
This development coincides with Apple’s recent promotion of its Apple Pay service by releasing several promotional videos. According to analysts, Apple Pay could generate up to $4 billion in revenue this year, solidifying its position as the fifth most widely used payment method globally, trailing only behind PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Toshiba has just launched its latest lineup of TVs in Malaysia. These include three flagship models: the Toshiba Z870M, Z670M, and M550M. What makes these TVs stand out are their extraordinary features, and there’s an exciting free gift offer for Malaysian consumers.
Toshiba Z870M Pushing The Boundaries for Visual & Audio Experiences
The Z870M is a TV designed with immersion and content enjoyment in mind. The Mini LED technology deployed in the Z870M features Quantum Dot Colour technology that allows for true-to-life colour reproduction. The TV also supports multiple HDR formats including Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10+ and HLG. These technologies allow the screen to retain detail even in the darkest scenes.
It also features a native refresh rate of 144Hz and is equipped with AMD FreeSync technology, ensuring smooth gaming even at high frame rates. The REGZA Engine ZRi optimizes audio-visuals based on content and surroundings.
For audio enthusiasts, the TV includes REGZA Bass Woofer PRO with Tru Bass Booster and supports Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio experience. Additionally, it offers Smart Sharing, allowing content streaming from Apple devices via Apple HomeKit technology.
Toshiba Z670M: Immersive Gaming and Visual Excellence
The Z670M takes gaming and visuals to the next level. It boasts Full Array Local Dimming Pro for stunning contrast ratios and Quantum Dot Technology for vibrant colours. Dolby Vision Atmos enhances the audio-visual experience.
Front-firing speakers and the REGZA Bass System make sure that the sound quality matches the visuals. Game Mode Pro optimizes colour correction for a smoother gaming experience.
Toshiba M550M: Elevating Visual and Audio Quality
The M550M focuses on delivering exceptional visual clarity. It features the REGZA Engine ZR with AI Upscaling for a lifelike viewing experience. Quantum Dot Technology ensures natural and vivid colours.
Sound quality is equally impressive with REGZA Power Audio PRO and Tru Bass Booster. This TV intelligently upscales content to 4K quality, providing the true beauty of any content.
All three models come with Smart TV functions, including Google TV and Apple AirPlay. Google TV simplifies entertainment by recommending content based on user preferences, while Apple AirPlay enables effortless content streaming from Apple devices.
Pricing and Availability
During the promotional period from September 1st to September 30th, 2023, you can take advantage of special offers:
The Toshiba M550M model is set to launch in October 2023.
But the excitement doesn’t end there. When you purchase the 65-inch Z870M, you’ll receive a free Asus ROG Ally worth RM 3,299. For the 55-inch Z870M, you’ll get a Logitech Z906 surround speaker, and for the Z670M (both 65-inch and 55-inch), you’ll receive Bose TV speakers as free gifts.
A highlight of this event is the unveiling of the brand new Xiaomi TV A Series and Xiaomi TV A Pro Series, now available in all Xiaomi Authorized Stores in Malaysia and online at official Xiaomi stores on Lazada, with prices starting at just RM 1,199.
The new TVs are the latest additions to Xiaomi’s ecosystem and are poised to serve as smart home control hubs for AIoT connectivity, offering an exceptional entertainment experience.
Xiaomi TV A Series
The Xiaomi TV A series features a premium metal bezel-less design allowing the TVs to blend into any room seamlessly. The series has models supporting resolutions as high as 4K UHD and a 60Hz refresh rate. The high resolution of the TV A series is complemented by support for up to 20W Dolby Audio, DTS-HD, and DTS Virtual: X, delivering true-to-life, immersive sound. The series supports connectivity through Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band WiFi. The series also features HDMI and USB inputs. The higher-specced versions feature eARC technology.
Xiaomi’s TV A series continues to run on Google TV. The OS allows users to seamlessly connect using their smartphones as remote controls through Google Home and access a myriad of TV-optimised apps from the Google Play Store. You’ll even be able to project your phone or laptop screens wirelessly via the built-in Chromecast functionality.
The A Series will be available in multiple sizes, including 43-inch and 55-inch, with a 32-inch variant expected to arrive soon.
Xiaomi TV A Pro Series
The Xiaomi TV A Pro Series ups the ante with a sleeker, single-stand design with a premium metallic frame and bezel-less aesthetics, perfectly complementing modern home decor. The TVs in the series feature 4K UHD displays with a 60Hz refresh rate complemented by 24W (2 x 12) speakers. The sound experience on TVs is perfected with features such as Dolby Audio, DTS-X, and DTS Virtual: X.
Like the A series, the A Pro series comes with Google TV as the operating system. The Xiaomi TV A Pro Series comes in multiple sizes, including 43-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch models.
Showcasing Home Living Innovations at Sunway Pyramid
Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem empowers consumers to enhance their quality of life through innovative technology. These products offer seamless connectivity and control via smartphones or tablets, making smart living not only accessible but also affordable.
Running from September 7 to 10, the Smart Living Showcase invites visitors to explore a wide range of smart AIoT products across various categories. These include TWS and wearable, Kitchen Appliances, Personal Care, Smart Cameras and security, Smart Cleaning, and environmental appliances. Among the showcased products are the new Xiaomi Pad 6, Xiaomi vacuums, air purifiers, security cameras, wearables, and more.
Xiaomi will be showcasing these innovations at the LG2 Blue Concourse, Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya. During this event, Xiaomi will simulate real-life living environments to showcase how their state-of-the-art AIoT products integrate seamlessly into daily life, ultimately enhancing the way we live.
Pricing and Availability:
The Xiaomi TV A Pro Series starts at RM 1,399 and is available in three sizes: 43-, 55-, and 65-inches.
The Xiaomi TV A Series starts at RM 1,199 and is available in two sizes at launch: 43- and 55-inches. The 32-inch version will be available soon.
For a limited time, users can enjoy exclusive deals on Xiaomi TV A Pro Series and Xiaomi TV A Series. On September 9, buyers can benefit from special Open Sale savings at Authorized Xiaomi stores in Malaysia or Xiaomi TV A Series at the official Xiaomi Store on Lazada.
Additionally, the first 100 customers to purchase any Xiaomi TV A Pro Series at the Xiaomi Smart Living Showcase in Sunway Pyramid will receive a Free Gift and have the chance to enter a Lucky Draw event with exclusive prizes worth RM 11,997 up for grabs.
Samsung has once again partnered with renowned designer Thom Browne to create an exquisite fusion of technology and fashion. The result? The limited-edition Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition and the Galaxy Watch6 Thom Browne Edition.
Source: Samsung
This collaboration isn’t new; it’s the latest instalment in a longstanding partnership that began with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. What sets this year’s limited edition apart is its inspiration – the elegance of black-tie events. The Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition is not just a device; it’s a masterpiece. Crafted with black pebble leather and intricate detailing, it proudly showcases Thom Browne’s signature style. The iconic red, white, and blue stripes are prominently displayed on the device’s exterior, while the back glass boasts a tactile fabric texture. A black frame with gold accents and gold rings encircling the camera lenses adds an extra touch of luxury.
But the attention to detail doesn’t end with the device itself. The packaging is designed to provide an exceptional unboxing experience, reminiscent of a Thom Browne high-end briefcase. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also a collector’s item.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition doesn’t come alone; it includes two exclusive leather pouch cases and a specially crafted S Pen. These accessories not only enhance the style but also the functionality of the device.
Source: Samsung
And that’s not all. The Galaxy Watch6 also gets the Thom Browne treatment. With its gold-tone body, unique watch face, and Thom Browne logo, it oozes sophistication. The red, white, and blue theme extends to the buckle and two leather straps, creating a seamless and elegant look. Even accessories like the 25W travel adapter, coin-style watch charger, and USB-C to USB-C cable carry Thom Browne’s signature touch.
Pricing & Availability
These exclusive editions will be available in limited quantities starting September 12, 2023, in select markets, including Korea. While the price remains undisclosed, tech and fashion enthusiasts alike can look forward to making their purchases through Samsung’s website.
Withings ups the ante with hybrid wearables with the release of the ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light. These two hybrid smartwatches build upon Withings’ legacy of delivering cutting-edge health monitoring in sleek, fashion-forward designs.
The ScanWatch 2
The ScanWatch 2 inherits the beloved features of its predecessor, including an impressive 30-day battery life, ECG capabilities, blood oxygen measurements, and seamless integration with Apple Health.
In addition, it introduces several new features that elevate its health-tracking prowess. The ScanWatch 2 comes with continuous body temperature tracking which allows users to keep tabs on their body temperature. Together with body temperature tracking, female users of the ScanWatch 2 can now effortlessly track their menstrual cycles, including symptoms and emotions, empowering them with valuable insights.
Together with his, the new ScanWatch also comes with the ability to track Heart Rate Variability allowing users to track the response of their heart to different stimuli and events. This plays very well with the Improved Auto Activity Tracking which can now recognize over 40 different activities. You will also be able to track Respiratory Rate Readings which gives a new dimension to insights from the watch.
Withings has also upgraded the software aspect of the ScanWatch 2. HealthSense OS now features PowerSense Pro, optimizing battery life and data accuracy.
The ScanWatch Light
For those seeking affordability without compromising on essential health monitoring, Withings is introducing the new ScanWatch Light. While it may not boast all the advanced features of its counterpart, it provides key health-tracking capabilities.
The ScanWatch Light will be able to track heart rate, sleep and activities. It also places particular emphasis on menstrual cycle tracking, allowing women to log cycle stages and align their routines accordingly.
Both models cater to diverse health needs, and Withings’ unwavering focus on extended battery life and comprehensive health tracking makes these smartwatches compelling choices for individuals seeking seamless health monitoring. Pre-orders are already open, with retail availability scheduled for October 2023.
With the ScanWatch 2 and ScanWatch Light, Withings continues its tradition of combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design, setting new standards for health monitoring and style. These timepieces empower users to seamlessly integrate better health into their daily lives, marking a significant stride in the evolution of health-centric wearables.
Pricing & Availability
The ScanWatch 2 comes in various finishes and sizes to ensure both style and comfort, with additional options planned for the future. It is set for release in October. It is priced at $349.95.
The ScanWatch Light, on the other hand, is priced at $249.95.
