realme is finally hitting its 5-year milestone this coming 28 August. To mark this special occasion, the brand is introducing its 5th Anniversary Leap Up Products, aligned with their new brand focus: ‘Leap Up’ which encapsulates the brand’s drive to reach new heights by taking strategic leaps forward.
Leaping forwards since 2018
realme emerged in 2018 with a mission to empower the youth through technology, design, and experiences. This vision, which the brand attributes to its ‘Dare to Leap’ strategy focused on a light asset approach, short channels, and e-commerce prioritisation. As the brand evolved, its focus shifted to long-term growth principles that it dubbed “No Leap No Launch”.
These principles struck a chord, earning it a spot in the Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2023 report. On the local front, realme Malaysia also saw a return to the top five smartphone brands list in Q2 2023, with an annual growth of 18%.
realme celebrates with Leap Up Products
As the brand steps into a new chapter, realme is set to unveil a series of exclusive devices dubbed 5th Anniversary Leap Up Products. While there are no details from realme yet, we’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for what’s to come. Stay tuned for updates! To learn more, you can also visit the realme website.
In the world of gaming, whenever there is a new and exciting crossover happening, it is sure to catch everyone’s attention. Even if you are not a hardcore gamer, you will want to know about the Gentle Monster x Overwatch 2 collaboration.
So, what’s the scoop?
In celebration of the release of OVERWATCH 2: INVASION, Gentle Monster has partnered with Overwatch 2 to release the ‘GENTLE TOKKI Package’! This package combines stylish tinted sunglasses called ‘TOKKI’ with exclusive in-game skins, all inspired by the popular Overwatch 2 hero, D.Va.
The ‘TOKKI’ eyewear is inspired by D.Va’s iconic headgear in the game and is available in two different colours. The packaging is a nod to D.Va’s mech, TOKKI. It even includes a soft case designed to resemble the mechanical structure of TOKKI. To top it off, you will also get an attachable D.Va figure!
Each package also comes with a redemption code. This code lets you unlock exclusive GENTLE TOKKI D.Va skins and other in-game items. If you are itching to get your hands on this package, you can now do that!
Starting on 17 August 2023, the GENTLE TOKKI skin will be available for purchase on Overwatch 2. The GENTLE TOKKI Package itself will be gifted exclusively to lucky winners chosen through an online draw.
To enter the draw, you can take part in the Instagram “D.Va Challenge” until 31 August 2023. It’s easy – just snap a photo or video using the D.Va filter on Instagram, add the event hashtags, and you are in the running.
ASUS and A BATHING APE are about to rock your world with a supped-up laptop! The two brands are collaborating to bring you signature ASUS quality infused with BAPE®style. The collaboration brings BAPE’s design style to ASUS’s popular Vivobook S 15 OLED. The new Vivobook S 15 OLED comes with an exclusive BAPEx ASUS design meticulously photo-light-etched into the metallic lid of the Vivobook S 15 OLED.
The collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics either. It’s bringing a real punch in terms of internals. The Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE edition comes with an Intel Core i9-13900H processor with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD memory and a stunning 2.8K OLED display. The display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut. Of course, those specifications are not something new when it comes to the Vivobook S 15 OLED. In fact, it’s the top-of-the-line specifications that are available for the lineup.
However, A BATHING APE has put its own spin on it with a unique, ASUS-exclusive design that brings the whimsy and class of the BAPE aesthetic to the Zenbook. Photo-etched to the metallic lid of the Vivobook S 15 is a camouflage which features BAPE’s mascot ape. In addition to this, the special BAPE edition Vivobook will also come bundled with a bevvy of accessories which carry the ASUS-exclusive design. In the bundle are a BAPE Edition Carry bag, a BAPE edition ASUS Marshmallow mouse, a special BAPE Edition BABY MILO figurine, BAPE Edition Keyboard stickers and limited edition BAPE edition stickers. The BABY MILO figurine also has its very own limited edition BAPE Vivobook too!
The Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition will be available in two colours – a silver laptop which is paired with a Blue coloured version of the BAPE accessories and a Midnight Black colour which comes with a Green coloured version of the BAPE accessories.
Pricing & Availability
The Vivobook S 15 OLED comes in Midnight Black and Silver paired with Green and Blue BAPE Edition accessories respectively. The bundle will be priced at MYR6,499 and will be available starting 18 August 2023.
Touch ‘n Go Digital (TNGD) is making the Touch ‘n Go eWallet even more feature-packed with a new partnership with Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB). The new partnership will bring ASNB’s fund management platform to Touch ‘n Go Wallet via GOinvest. The new partnership will complement the 9 unit trusts that are currently available on GOinvest.
Source: ASNB
The partnership brings ASNB investment management to users’ fingertips. Existing ASNB unitholders will be able to manage their investments without the need to physically visit a branch or agent. The ASNB dashboard on Touch n’ Go Wallet will enable users to check their portfolio performance and make new investments at any time. It also allows users to view a breakdown of ASNB’s units trusts, review their 5 latest transactions for each invested fund, subscribe to new funds and invest in current funds. Users will also be able to manage their dependent’s account on the dashboard.
New unitholders will be able to access the same dashboard after completing the online registration and onboarding process on the myASNB app. This separation is due to the need to use ASNB’s internal eKYC system for onboarding. However, once the process is completed, all future transactions and account management can be done on the Touch n’ Go eWallet app.
(From left to right) Mr Desmond Teoh, Head of Financial Services and Mr Alan Ni, Chief Executive Officer of TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd. with Encik Muzzaffar bin Othman, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director and Encik Mohd Azlan Masood, Chief Operating Officer of ASNB in an engaging session with members of the media.
ASNB unit trusts are available to Malaysians from birth. Newborn accounts need to be opened in person over the counter or at any ASNB Kiosk while those 18 years or older simply need to do it online via the myASNB app. These unit trusts are categorised into two categories: Fixed Price Funds and Variable Price Funds. Touch ‘n Go eWallet will be offering 17 ASNB funds. These are:
ASNB investments on Touch n’ Go eWallet also makes investing even more accessible with a low initial investment of MYR10. To make things a little sweeter, TNGD and ASNB are running the Labur Online Laju (LOL) cashback campaign. Between 16 August 2023 and 30 September 2023, users who subscribe to ASNB Investments GOinvest on the eWallet will receive a cashback. Users who invest a minimum of MYR10 in any ASNB Unit Trust will receive an MYR1 cashback while those who invest more than MYR500 in any Variable Price fund will receive an additional MYR10 cashback.
If you’re interested to learn more in person, the LOL roadshow is happening at Setia City Mall from 16 until 20 August 2023. There will be booths and agents on the ground to help with opening an ASNB account. There will also be activities and freebies throughout.
Acronis has published its Mid-Year Cyberthreats Report, revealing concerning trends in the cybersecurity landscape. The report highlights a 464% increase in email-based phishing attacks in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year.
Cybercriminals are increasingly using generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ChatGPT to craft malicious content and conduct cyberattacks. Acronis states that ransomware remains a dominant threat to small and medium-sized businesses. This is mainly due to attackers leveraging AI-created malware to avoid detection by traditional antiviruses.
The cyberattack landscape is evolving
In the report, Acronis also emphasizes the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks. These attacks utilize AI and existing ransomware code to penetrate victims’ systems and extract valuable data, making detection more challenging. Cybercriminals use public AI models to find source code vulnerabilities and develop attacks (including deep fakes).
Additionally, the study shows that phishing is the primary method cybercriminals use to steal login credentials. The use of large language model-based AI platforms has enabled cybercriminals to create, automate, and scale new attacks more efficiently. The report reveals a growing number of data stealers who exploit stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Breaches demonstrate major security concerns
Acronis points out some major security concerns that contribute to successful breaches, including a lack of strong security solutions to detect zero-day vulnerabilities, delayed updates of vulnerable software, and inadequate protection for Linux servers. Moreover, some organizations fail to follow proper data backup protocols, which can lead to severe consequences during attacks.
Acronis encourages companies to take a proactive stance in cyber protection. A comprehensive cybersecurity posture requires a multi-layered solution that combines various security measures. This includes anti-malware, email security, vulnerability assessments, backup capabilities and more. The report also includes steps that companies can take to increase their cyber protection:
If you are interested to read the full Acronis Mid-Year Cyberthreats Report 2023, click here.
Xiaomi is bringing fantastic deals on a spectrum of Xiaomi smart AIoT products for the entire month of August. If you’ve ever wanted to turn your home into a smart home, this is your chance!
Imagine catching up on your favourite shows on a voice-activated smart TV that also acts as your home’s AIoT hub. For those who dread doing chores after a long day of work, you can come home to clean floors with the help of a robot vacuum and mop. Feeling hungry? Look up and prepare more efficient meals by looking up smart recipes for your smart air fryer that can cook up delicious meals while you relax.
So if you’re looking at making your home smarter, you can take a dive into Xiaomi’s August Promotion and outfit your home with shiny new tech. The promotion includes products from smart household appliances to personal lifestyle gadgets and can be snagged at any Xiaomi Authorised stores across Malaysia. If you prefer online shopping, the promotions are also available online on Lazada and Shopee.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highlights from the promotion:
Anker Innovations, more commonly known as Anker, isn’t the first name you would think of when it comes to vacuum cleaners. In fact, it probably wouldn’t be the third or even fourth. However, the company has been diversifying its product portfolio with offerings spanning the AIoT space, audio products and even projectors. This, of course, comes in addition to their well-known line of mobile charging solutions. The latest addition to this lineup is the Mach V1 Ultra, a cordless StickVac that comes equipped with steam cleaning and sterilizing technology.
The new Mach V1 Ultra is the first solution under the Mach brand. The StickVac comes with a charging base that not only charges it up but also enables a self-cleaning function after vacuuming. The vacuum also comes with a full colour, Smart LCD display that provides you with all the information you need when you use the vacuum. You can even use the eufy Clean App to control and monitor the StickVac and its consumables.
Of course, cleaning with steam can be dangerous. Anker has equipped the Mach V1 Ultra with sensors and a smart indication feature that helps protect your family when you use the StickVac and also extends the lifetime of the vacuum itself. You won’t need to worry about walking on scalding floors either. The V1 Ultra comes with JetBlade a quick-drying technology which also helps bring down the temperature of the floor rapidly as well. The technology utilises an opening at the back of the StickVac to expel air to rapidly dry and cool the floor when cleaning. The StickVac also comes with Eco-Clean Ozone sterilization which eliminates odours and sterilizes while cleaning.
The Mach V1 Ultra comes with three usage modes: Steam, Smart and Suction. The suction mode allows the vacuum to function like your run-of-the-mill vacuum but is able to clean both dry and wet messes. The smart mode uses an algorithm to determine the cleaning mode according to your daily cleaning needs. The hallmark – Steam mode – uses a cordless steam technology called SteamWave which allows the Mach V1 Ultra to release a continuous flow of 110°C steam to sterilize and remove stubborn stains.
The cherry on top of the Mach V1 Ultra’s package is its extended runtime. Thanks to Anker’s prowess in creating portable batteries, the V1 Ultra is able to boast a runtime of up to 82 minutes on a single charge. Anker is also offering a 24-month warranty exclusively for the Mach V1 Ultra. This warranty will entitle you to a 1-to-1 exchange at your purchase point within the warranty period.
Pricing & Availability
The Mach V1 Ultra StickVac is now available for pre-order at all partner stores including Thundermatch Technologies, LAZADA and Shopee.
Samsung is cooking up something in the vibrant Golden Triangle…and has unleashed Flip Town! From now until 31 August, visit Flip Town to try out the latest Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 before they hit the stores!
To start your Flip Town adventure, start at the Bukit Bintang crossing, where you’ll see six Galaxy Z Flip5 lifestyle visuals by local Malaysian artists. This will also be your opportunity to snap OOTDs while flipping the cityscapes around you for Instagram-worthy moments.
If you head on over to Optimist Coffee on Jalan Bukit Bintang, you can also take pictures with loan units of the phones at the selfie stations until 13 August . Don’t forget to claim your free stickers! There are also convex mirrors that will allow you to experiment with unique angles to make your photos pop. Samsung is also giving out free coffee when you follow the @GalaxySpaceMY page.
Next – this one’s for the BTS ARMY! Look out for the wall poster of BTS’s Jimin and strike your best poses next to the giant Galaxy Z Flip5 prop. Don’t miss out on visiting the Flip Town Experential Zone, where you can take photos with the wall poster of BTS’s Suga with the FlexCam. Snap more photos with loan phones at this pop-up station until 16 August for fresh, trendy shots next to Suga.
Stay connected with the Flip Town community by using the hashtags #GalaxyZFlip5, #GalaxyZFold5, #JoinTheFlipSide, #MYFlipTown. You can also follow @GalaxySpaceMY and @samsungmalaysia for updates.
If you’re itching to own the Galaxy Z Fold5 or Galaxy Z Flip5, pre-orders are now available until 17 August 2023. Visit the Samsung website to learn more.
Amazfit is no stranger to fitness-centered wearables. The company has been hard at work churning out multiple watches for every user segment. This year alone, we’ve already seen at least 4 new entries which not only bring extended functionalities but also a diverse range of designs. The latest smartwatch to join the line is the Amazfit Bip 5.
The hallmark of the Amazfit Bip 5 is its supersized 1.191-inch display. The large display is paired with a lightweight design with a plastic bottom case. Coming in at only 26g, the fitness companion is bound to seamlessly integrate into your everyday life. It’s not just lightweight though, it’s also rated for IP68 water and dust resistance and comes with 2.5D tempered glass protection. What’s more, it has a 320×380 pixel display with a pixel density of 260ppi which is one of the sharpest on the market.
The Bip 5 runs on ZeppOS 2.0. The OS can track over 120 types of exercise and comes with extensive customisation options allowing you to make the Bip 5 fit your style. It also comes with a huge selection of apps and games that you can use on the watch itself! Of course, it goes without saying that a majority of these apps will help you achieve your goals of being more active and healthy.
Like many other smartwatches, the Amazfit Bip 5 can also be your personal assistant on your wrist. You’ll be able to take calls, schedule your day and even make and take things off your to-do list seamlessly. You’ll also be able to do this only with your voice thanks to Amazon Alexa integration. Oh, speaking of personal assistance, it will even give you a summary of your previous day every morning.
Supersized Fitness Tracking
The Bip 5 will be able to help you track your workouts with over 120 sports modes built into Zepp OS 2.0. It’s also able to autodetect your workouts when you start one of these workouts: treadmill, outdoor running, walking, indoor walking, outdoor cycling, the rowing machine and the elliptical. Your hikes and runs can be tracked even more accurately thanks to GPS tracking on the watch itself. It’ll even help you keep pace during your workouts. Don’t worry about app compatibility as Zepp OS 2.0 integrates seamlessly into Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava, Addidas Running and more.
The BioTracker PPG biometric sensor allows the Bip 5 to keep track of your vitals 24 hours a day. It will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood oxygenation and stress levels in the background throughout your day. You’ll also be able to track your sleep quality and gauge your activity with a PAI Health index at the end of each week. With the 300mah, you will get at least 5 days of use. If you’re a regular user, it should be able to last you up to 10 days.
Pricing & Availability
The Amazfit Bip 5 is available now from retail partners and the Amazfit stores on Shopee and Lazada. It is available in Pastel Pink, Soft Black and Cream White and will retail at MYR329.
Astro – Malaysia’s largest satellite TV provider – has been diversifying its offerings with partnerships with OTT providers like Netflix and Disney+. These partnerships have seen an increasingly diverse pool of content offered to subscribers via its Ultra Box and Ulti Box. The latest to join that pool is Qalbox.
(Source: Astro/Muslim Pro) From left to right Co CEOs of Bitsmedia Nik Emir Din and Fara Abdullah together with Astro Director of Content Agnes Rozario and Group Chief Financial Officer Shafiq Abdul Jabbar
Qalbox is a streaming service by Muslim Pro. The app offers diverse, global content catered to Muslims of all ages. The app will provide an even more diverse, global view for Muslims in our increasingly globalised world that will complement existing channels like Al-Jazeera, Al-Hijrah, Naura and Astro Oasis.
The app, like other apps offered on Astro’s Ultra and Ulti Boxes, will be available on the home screen of the updated interface for the Ultra and Ulti Boxes. Astro subscribers with the Ultra and Ulti box will enjoy a complimentary 2-month subscription to Qalbox starting from July 27, 2023, until September 26, 2023. After this period, it will cost MYR12.90 a month to subscribe.
Source: Astro
“We are excited to announce Muslim Pro’s Qalbox on our platform, further enriching our suite of the best global streaming apps. Our Muslim viewers can enjoy Muslim-centric content with the addition of over 1,000 hours of Qalbox’s SVOD content available for streaming on our Ultra and Ulti Boxes. We now have compelling content from 12 streaming apps, including our own Astro GO app, which is complimentary to all customers…”
The announcement comes on the heels of Astro’s big content showcase where the company showcased their upcoming content and new collaborations in a two-hour spectacular show that was live-streamed on YouTube and on Astro’s Gempak channel. The showcase was directed by renowned Malaysian thespian, Puan Sri Tiara Jaquelina.
