Category Archives: Lifestyle

Accessories, Gaming, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

[RazerCon 2022] The Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed is the Only TWS Earbuds You Want for Gaming

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All truly wireless (TWS) earbuds in the market today have a common problem. Most, if not all, are not made for gaming in mind. Razer is a little different though. Everything they do and have done so far has all about the gaming lifestyle. Even when their introduced their highly portable Razer Hammerhead BT, they still maintained that it is a wireless earphone made for gaming. Of course, when the world of TWS earbuds blow up, they had to jump on board, and make their own, also for gaming. Now there is a new one.

They call it the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed, and it looks rather familiar. To be fair, the general design of a TWS today has pretty much saturated into ones with stems and ones without. This one comes with a stem a la Apple AirPods. In fact, it shares a lot of design cues from the Cupertino outfit. Even the case, in its PlayStation colours guise, looks strikingly similar to the Apple AirPods Pro’s case save for the officially licensed PlayStation Logo. The Xbox variant is basically just a blacked-out variant of the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed.

Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 1
Source: Razer

The similarities end there though. The ear tips are designed differently, shaped differently. That might not matter all that much, but it is designed in such a way to also fit Razer’s very famous Chroma RGB LED at the back of the earbuds lighting up the three-headed snake logo synonymous to the gaming lifestyle maker.

The Hyperspeed technology is Razer’s innovation to wireless technology to reduce latency and therefore response times in wireless situations. In the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed, it comes with a 2.4GHz wireless connection option via a USB Type-C dongle. Via the dongle, connected to either your PC or gaming console, you are getting lowest in class latency for your audio, very comparable to the experience of a wired headphone. The lower latency also allows you to react to conditions and situations closer to real time, increasing your competitiveness. For your mobile gaming purposes, it packs the latest Bluetooth 5.2 for improved stability, higher fidelity, and lower latency.

Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 03
Source: Razer

To keep you focused and competitive in your game, you want as little distraction as possible in your gaming sessions. For that, you want noise cancellation. The Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed packs not just one microphone for noise cancelling, it comes with two. Why is this significant? A single mic picks up only so much noise and pumps anti-noise according to that limited information. Two mics allow the device to pick up more details from its environment and compensates those noise more accurately and accordingly to allow for better noise cancelling all-around.

This is made for the gamers who are constantly on-the-go. Its 10mm driver should be powerful enough for you to also enjoy music at any given time in the outside world. To keep you entertained even on a long flight, the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed packs up to 30 hours of battery life, provided you turn off Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the RGB. Leave both on and you still get up to 20 hours of battery life.

  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 06
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 04
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 05
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 08
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 03
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 02
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 01
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation 2022 Render 07
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation Dongle 2022 Render 0102
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead HyperSpeed PlayStation Dongle 2022 Render 01
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 6
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 4
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 5
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 8
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 3
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 2
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 1
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox 2022 Render 7
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox Dongle 2022 Render 2
    Source: Razer
  • Hammerhead True Wireless Xbox Dongle 2022 Render 1
    Source: Razer

The Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed comes in PlayStation and Xbox Licensed variants. The PlayStation Licensed variant is white in colour to match the PS5 visuals. The Xbox Licensed variant, on the other hand, comes in black and lime green colour scheme to match the Xbox Series X colour scheme. Both devices come with a colour matching USB Type-C dongle you can plug into your PC or console. The latest Razer TWS earbuds will be available November 2022 onward with a starting price of US$ 149.99 (MYR*). More information on the Razer Hammerhead Hyperspeed can be found on Razer’s website.

iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Finally, a USB Type-C on the new Apple iPad! Oh, There Are New Colours Too.

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Apple and their proprietary lightning port and cable goes way back. It is the first sort of port and cable combination that is reversible. That means that you can plug your Apple device via the Lightning port in either orientation. Technically Apple’s lightning port is the first ever reversible connector for charging and data transfer purposes.

Since the introduction of USB Type-C though, most modern devices adopted the technology with no issue. It has become the most universal type of port there is today. It also looks like USB Type-C is here to stay, since they have been updating the USB Type-C cable and port for even more power delivery and data transfer capabilities. That is usually enough for organisations to sway into the USB Type-C ecosystem, except for Apple.

Apple has been reluctant to shift to the USB Type-C platform. They technically do have USB Type-C equipped devices like the Apple iPad Pro and iPad Air, but that was about it. Today, they add another device to the USB Type-C collection, the brand new 2022 iPad.

Apple iPad 10th gen Magic Keyboard Folio Apple Pencil 221018
Source: Apple

The USB Type-C is not the only new thing on the Apple iPad for 2022 though. It looks different too compared to the ones that came before. The tenth-generation Apple iPad now shares a similar design language with the Apple iPad Air and Apple iPad Pro. The unibody back and sides have a more rounded edge over the other two USB Type-C devices in Apple’s stables though.

Alongside the new body design, comes a new display layout with a thinner overall bezel. It is still a 10.9-inch tablet with Liquid Retina display. They have also updated the processor to Apple’s A14 Bionic chip that is supposed to be more powerful than the A13 Bionic before while remaining more power efficient. You still get a 12-Megapixel ultra-wide angle camera up front, which makes for excellent video calls. Out the back is a new 12-Megapixel camera though. This new camera comes with 4K video recording capabilities.

On top of the added flexibility of USB Type-C port and connection, the Apple iPad also packs Wi-Fi 6 for an even faster and more stable connection to the web. If you want to, you can also opt for the 5G capable variant for all sorts of work on-the-go. For an added versatility, you can also opt for a Magic Keyboard Folio designed specifically for the Apple iPad.

The Apple iPad also now comes in four vibrant and unique colours. You can get your hands on a blue, pink, yellow, and sliver shades. Yes, you noticed, there is no space grey option this time. There is also no home button. Your Touch ID is now moved to the power button on top of the device, near the camera.

  • Apple iPad 10th gen silver 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen pink 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen blue 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen yellow 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen hero 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen Magic Keyboard Folio Apple Pencil 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen Liquid Retina display 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen lifestyle 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen iPadOS 16 Mail Split View 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen iPadOS 16 Pages Messages Split View 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen iPadOS 16 Freeform 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen iMovie Storyboards 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad 10th gen Apple Arcade SharePlay 221018
    Source: Apple

The new Apple iPad with USB Type-C and the A14 Bionic chip is now available for pre-order in the US and select regions. It will ship out and hit stores 26th October 2022 onward in these select regions too. Malaysia’s Apple website has also started teasing the Apple iPad alongside the newly launched iPad Pro. We are expecting the device to arrive in Malaysia sometime in November 2022. The new Apple iPad will set you back at least US$ 449 (MRY 2,099*). As usual, it is only available in 64GB and 256GB storage configurations. For more information on the Apple iPad for 2022, you can visit Apple’s website.

iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

The New iPad Pro with M2 Chip is Here!

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When Apple launched their first M1 silicon to the market, we immediately saw the potential of it powering an iPad Pro. Last year, they made it a reality and finally shoehorned an M2 chip to an iPad Pro. It brought untold powers into an iPad Pro and made the tablet the most versatile work companion you can find in the market. With the Apple Pencil, the iPad Pro is a formidable tablet with the powers of a full-fledged laptop.

Then comes this one, the M2 powered iPad Pro.

Apple iPad Pro hero 2up 221018
Source: Apple

On the surface, it is the same device all around compared to the older generation iPad Pro from 2021. Everything from the glass panel out front and aluminium backing did not change from the previous Apple iPad Pro. The only difference then, in terms of hardware, is the fact that this iPad Pro now contains Apple’s most powerful chip so far, the M2.

The 2022 powerhouse of a tablet will also ship with Apple’s latest iPadOS 16 to fully take advantage of the beast that is the M2 chip. There is stage manager that takes your multitasking to entirely new levels, you can connect to external displays with the iPad Pro and get two working displays effectively out of it, You can turn the iPad Pro’s highly accurate display into a reference display too or all your colour grading needs, and the best part about iPadOS 16 is that now you can run desktop class apps on the iPad Pro.

The camera on the iPad Pro for 2022 can also now capture ProRes videos. Combined with up to three folds speed in transcoding ProRes footages, this iPad Pro is a video production beast in a thin and lightweight package. You might not even need to carry other devices in this case to get a quick video footage out of it.

Apple did not introduce a new Apple Pencil with the iPad Pro this time. They did not have to with iPadOS 16. With a detection from up to 12mm away from the display, the Apple Pencil is more versatile and accurate than ever. Hovering above the display allows users to see where the Pencil will touch the display before they even make a mark. At the same time, when the Pencil gets near to the display, text boxes automatically expand to make way for handwriting recognition.

  • Apple iPad Pro Stage Manager external displayApple iPad Pro desktop class apps 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro space gray 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro silver 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro Reference Mode 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro Octane X 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro Magic Keyboard M2 hero 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro lifestyle 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro hero 2up 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro desktop class apps 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro DaVinci Resolve 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro Affinity Publisher 2 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro Adobe Photoshop 221018
    Source: Apple
  • Apple iPad Pro uMake 221018
    Source: Apple

To bring the tablet up to speed when remote working, Apple has outfitted the iPad Pro with Wi-Fi 6E capabilities to ensure that you can download and upload large files at any time of the day with little interruption to your workflow. If there is no reliable Wi-Fi umbrella around, there is the cellular capabilities that gives you 5G networking (sub-6GHz and mmWave standards) wherever you are (subject to network availability as per locations).

The Apple iPad Pro is now available for pre-order in 28 countries and regions. That obviously includes the United States. You can expect to start seeing the iPad Pro in stores in those select regions from the 26th of October 2022 onward. There are no mentions or confirmations on the latest iPad Pro’s availability date in Malaysia just yet. With the Malaysian website already teasing the device though, we expect the device to arrive sometime in November of 2022. The 11-inch variant starts at US$ 799 (MYR 3,899*) while the 12.9-inch variant starts at US$ 1,099 (MYR 5,399*). More information on the Apple iPad Pro can be found from Apple’s website.

*Official local (Malaysia) pricing as per Apple.com

Accessories, Android, Computers, Gaming, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

[RAZERCON 2022] Razer Announces Razer Edge with 5G to Take on the Steamdeck

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The biggest thing that has happened to gaming for the past few years is not really the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X. They are great, they are revolutionary, but they are rather regular and expected. You still need to be sat in one location and get it plugged to a display to fully enjoy them. The most important thing that has happened in gaming over the past few years is portable gaming, or mobile gaming.

What really started this handheld gaming phenomena is not really the smartphone. It is more to do with Nintendo’s Switch. Later, Steamdeck revolutionized the handheld gaming space again bringing the entire strength of Steam’s gaming library for PC games to a handheld device no bigger than a hard cover Harry Potter book.

Then Razer comes along with the Razer Edge. The Razer Edge is unique, not really a Nintendo Switch with exclusive titles. It is not exactly a Steamdeck competitor in the hardware space as well.

Razer Edge 5G render 2
Source: Razer

Where the Steamdeck is powered by a swatch of PC like parts, AMD’s Zen 3 CPU with integrated GPU, for example, the Edge is made more like a smartphone. It is powered by Qualcomm’s snapdragon G3x Gen 1 platform. That is also an exclusive for Razer, the most powerful integrated processing chip that Qualcomm can produce at this time clocking up to 3GHz on it eight-core Kryo design.

It makes plenty of sense though the Razer Edge is not made to be a smartphone. It is made purely for gaming on the go and to be the best at it. But since it is Qualcomm, there is some smartphone qualities about the handheld device. You get to opt for 5G connectivity for example, so you can technically game anywhere you want to game. You also get WiFi 6E, which is technically still a brand-new technology even for the PC space.  

If display quality is what you are looking for, the Steamdeck and Nintendo Switch has nothing on this handheld. It packs a 6.8-inch AMOLED display that refreshes at 144Hz boasting Full HD+ (2400 x 1080). It is technically the most advance display you can find on any handheld device in its class.

Razer Edge 5G render 4
Source: Razer

So, what can a handheld device that is built purely for gaming with smartphone class hardware can do? It can run on Android, obviously. In that case, you can play Android games like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends Bang Bang. It also comes with Epic Games Launcher app out-of-the-box which also means that it will run games like Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe with no issue.

It is not just made for mobile games though. It is designed with cloud gaming in mind too. So, if you have and active subscription on Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming and you want to take them out to the world, you can.

That is not all though. While you will not be able to install PC games directly on your Razer Edge, you still can play them. The Razer Edge is the only handheld gaming device out there that comes with the ability to play Steam games at 144Hz via Steam Link remote play. You also get access to Moonlight, and Parsec. We are guessing that Razer might get PlayStation remote play available on the Razer Edge soon too. Sure, you want to be constantly connected to the internet, that is why you might want to get yourselves the 5G variant.

The Razer Edge is technically just an integrated handheld device that works like a smartphone. You can detach it from the new Razer Kishi V2 Pro that it will come with. That also means that you can even use the controllers with your smartphone, if you like. But then again, you would want to be using your Razer Edge for all your games.

  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 7
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 6
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 5
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 4
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 3
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 2
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge Base Model 5G render 1
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge 5G render 6
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge 5G render 5
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge 5G render 4
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge 5G render 3
    Source: Razer
  • Kishi V2 Pro render 1
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge 5G render 2
    Source: Razer
  • Razer Edge 5G render 1
    Source: Razer
  • Kishi V2 Pro render 6
    Source: Razer
  • Kishi V2 Pro render 5
    Source: Razer
  • Kishi V2 Pro render 4
    Source: Razer
  • Kishi V2 Pro render 3
    Source: Razer
  • Kishi V2 Pro render 2
    Source: Razer

The Razer Edge will be available only in the United States for now January 2023 onward. It will only be available in stores and Razer.com in its WiFi only variant at launch. Yes, there will also be a 5G variant as we mentioned, but it will only be available later and exclusively from Verizon. The WiFi variant of the Razer Edge will retail for US$ 399.99 (MYR 1,885*) at launch. Unfortunately, there are no mentions on its availability and official pricing in other regions currently. More information on the Razer Edge can be found on their website.

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.71 as of 18/10/2022 on xe.com

Accessories, Computers, Gaming, Lifestyle, News

ASUS is Zen 4 Ready with New B650 Motherboards 

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AMD recently launched their new Zen 4 architecture platform in their Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. Yes, in case you have not known yet, the AMD Ryzen 5000 series is now outdated and is replaced with AMD’s brand-new Ryzen 7000 processors. Yes, benchmark numbers produced by AMD also shows rather promising figures too, they suggest performance numbers well beyond what their Ryzen 5000 Zen 3 processors can manage. They are promising larger performances even compared to their competitors too.  

While the past few years of AMD’s Ryzen goodness have been backward compatible with their AM4 socket, the new Ryzen 7000 with Zen 4 kicks things off for a new generation of socket made for the future, the AM5 socket platform. Gone are the flimsy pins on the chip itself and in comes push pins on the board instead, for a less nerve-wrecking installation process.  

While AMD can go on and on with how powerful and different their new processors are, their Ryzen 7000 chips are glorified paperweights if they cannot get on a proper motherboard. This is where ASUS comes sweeping in with brand new motherboards to support the new AM5 platform and take advantage of Zen 4 with the B650 chipset motherboards.  

You want to keep in mind that the AMD B650 boards are not the top-of-the-line computing platforms you can get for AMD’s latest and greatest. For the most current ultimate AMD experience, you want to go for the X670 boards. The B650 then is a sort of budgeted performance boards for those looking to build a powerful system that does not break the bank.  

For the Hardcore Gamers – The ROG Strix Series 

  • ROG STRIX B650E E 01
    Source: ASUS
  • B650A 01 1.png
    Source: ASUS
  • B650E F 01
    Source: ASUS
  • B650E I 01
    Source: ASUS

Everybody wants an ROG. That is also because they are known to make some of the best gaming gears and hardware in the market. For the AMD Ryzen 7000 they have the ROG Strix B650-E, B650-F, B650-I, and B650-A Gaming WiFi motherboards.  

All of them comes with PCIe 5.0 drives of course. Only the ROG Strix B650-A does not carry any PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for peripherals. It is also the only one in the ROG Strix line-up that does not pack an I/O Shield. Then again, only the latest GPUs from NVIDIA are PCIe 5.0 peripherals. All of them support DDR5 memory though. True to their names too, they are all WiFi equipped boards.  

The top-of-the-line ROG Strix B650-A comes with 16+2 teamed power stages with 8+8 ProCool power connectors for even more flexible overclocking on AMD’s Ryzen 7000 processors. It also features a tonne of heatsinks to cool two M.2 slots and its VRM. There are two additional M.2 slots too, on top of the two that are wrapped under heatsinks. To make installation much more convenient, the M.2 drives do not have to be screwed in; they are latched by ASUS’ clever Q-Latch system. There is also a USB FlashBack feature that allows the BIOS to be flashed even without a processor or GPU installed on the system. All you need is a USB drive and power supply. Its audio is also greatly improved with USB-based ALC4080 audio codec alongside a new Savitech SV3H712 amp for better experience when you work with audiophile gears.  

For the Budget Gamers – The TUF Series 

  • 1 TUF GAMING B650M PLUS WIFI 2D2400PNG
    Source: ASUS
  • 1 TUF GAMING B650 PLUS 2D
    Source: ASUS
  • 1 TUF GAMING B650M PLUS 2D2400PNG
    Source: ASUS
  • 1 TUF GAMING B650 PLUS WIFI 2D
    Source: ASUS

If you still want something tailored for gaming, but do not want to spend on an ROG, there is the TUF gaming series of motherboards. The B650 motherboards from TUF line-up offers all everything you need to fully take advantage of Ryzen’s 7000 series of processors Zen 4 architecture. You can choose between ATX or micro-ATX options for builds designed for smaller footprints.  

Just because they are value offers for gamers, does not mean that they pack any less performance and features than their ROG cousins. You still get support for DDR5, PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and onboard USB 3.2 2×2 Type-C ports for all sorts of stuff. Of course, all TUF boards also come with 2.5GBps ethernet ports for high-bandwidth internet connections and WiFi 6 in case you prefer things to be wireless.  

For the Creators – The ProArt Series 

4 ProArt B650 CREATOR KV
Source: ASUS

The gaming market is not the only hotbed for high-performing computing solutions. The content creator market is still heating up and their appetite for high-performance machines has increased in recent years. They also need high-performing machines that are quiet and svelte when they need to be.  

While contents take time to produce, speed in workflow is key in their projects. That is why having a PCIe 5.0 support on their M.2 slot is important. Plenty of content creator programs are memory hungry too, which also means that high-speed memory is important, you get that from new DDR5 RAM support. While the ProArt series only has PCIe 4.0 x16 slots as standard, it also means that users can fit up to two GPUs to handle all their content creation workflow needs in an x8/x8 confguration.  

Of course, connectivity could be key in a shared worlkflow. You get 10GBps ethernet port as standard on your boards. At the same time, you can work without a dedicated GPU if you choose with a built-in DisplayPort 1.4 output on the board itself. On top of that, you get the versatility of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port support. 

For the Value Hunters – The Prime Series 

  • 1 Prime B650M A WIFI 2D
    Source: ASUS
  • 1 Prime B650M A AX 2D
    Source: ASUS
  • 1 Prime B650M A 2D
    Source: ASUS
  • 1 Prime B650 Plus 2D
    Source: ASUS

If you are just looking for something that does not break the bank but still take advantage of AMD’s latest and greatest, then look no further than the ASUS Prime series motherboards. It gives you the flexibility of using all sorts of budget cases and compat builds with ATX and micro-ATX solutions. It is the perfect daily driver, in ASUS’ books. 

The ASUS prime B650 boards offer up to 2.5GBps networking port, PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, and DDR5 support across their boards, The boards also packs BIOS FlashBack feature that allows you to reset your BIOS and even update it with nothing more than a USB stick and working power supply. You do not get PCIe 5.0 x16 slots just yet, but you really are not missing out on much at this point of time.  

Pricing and Availability 

There are no mentions yet on their official pricing currently. There is also no promised availability date for the boards at this time, but we are expecting them to be available pretty soon. For more information on the ASUS B650 motherboards made for AMD Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 processors, you can head over to their website.  

Lifestyle, News

Razer Announces Athleisure Instinct Collection & Nomad Duffel Bag

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Razer is on a roll when it comes to surprising us with releases out of the left field. This time, the company has announced a new lineup of athleisure wear. The new Instinct Collection and Nomad Duffel Bag come after the success of the previously announced Unleashed and Genesis Apparel lineups.

Razer Athleisure 3
Source: Razer

Razer’s Instinct Collection athleisure wear features Razer’s signature black and fluorescent green colours. The company’s signature fluorescent green is used as a colour accent. This gives definition and cut to the stylish lineup. The collection is made of sweat-wicking, lightweight and breathable material ensuring a comfortable, non-resistive fit while being worn. It also has subtle design hints of Razer’s THS logo, wordmark and tagline.

Razer Athleisure 1
Source: Razer

The Instinct Collection doesn’t discriminate either. Razer’s athleisure wear has options for everyone. The current lineup will have a sports bra, tank top, high-rise leggings designed for gamer girls and a tank, tee and shorts for gamer boys.

Razer Athleisure 4
Source: Razer

Together with the Instinct Athleisure collection, Razer is also releasing the Nomad Duffel Bag. The Nomad Duffel bag is a spacious, abrasion-resistant bag made with Razer’s signature black and green. Inside the bag is multiple slip pockets for everything. Razer claims that the bag will have enough space for all your gaming gear.

Pricing & Availability

The Razer Instinct Atheleisure collection will be available starting on 28th September 2022. It’s available via Razer.com and at select RazerStores. Prices are in the table below.

ItemPrice (USD$)Price (EURЄ)
Instinct Sports BraUSD$79.99
(MYR371.82)		EUR€89.99
(MYR410.27)
Instinct Tank TopUSD$59.99
(MYR278.85)		EUR€69.99
(MYR318.99)
Instinct High-rise LeggingsUSD$79.99
(MYR371.82)		EUR€89.99
(MYR410.27)
Instinct TankUSD$59.99
(MYR278.85)		EUR€69.99
(MYR318.99)
Instinct TeeUSD$59.99
(MYR278.85)		EUR€69.99
(MYR318.99)
Instinct ShortsUSD$69.99
(MYR325.34)		EUR€79.99
(MYR364.56)

The Nomad Duffel Bag will be available exclusively in North America for USD$69.99 (MYR325.33)

Accessories, Health, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Garmin Releases Their Most Affordable Smartwatches Yet – the Venu Sq 2 and Venu Sq 2 Music Edition

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When we say affordable, you want to take it with a pinch of salt. The new Garmin Venu Sq2 will set you back at least MYR 1,230 still. The Music Edition will set you an extra MYR 250 on top of the regular smartwatch. While it is the most accessible Garmin smartwatch, it is not the cheapest smartwatch you can find out there.  

No matter though, this is currently the most affordable Garmin wristwear you can find to date. It may be affordable, but it is still feature packed enough that you are not going to feel like you missed out on the Garmin experience.  

It still packs a heart rate tracker, one of the most accurate out there if it is the same one you find on other Garmin watches. Alongside the heartrate tracker are over 25 specific sports mode tracking, that includes running and walking. If you are into running, there is a personal running coach with training plans. Alongside those features, the Garmin Venu Sq 2 packs a sleep monitoring feature, which should be quite standard for most fitness trackers today. There is also specific health tracker for women’s menstrual cycle or pregnancy via the Garmin Connect app.  

All of these can be viewed via a square 1.4-inch AMOLED display that is colourful and bright even in the outdoors. If you are the type that is hardly into wearing heavy wristwear, you might hardly notice this one with its lightweight aluminium construction. Within the body is a battery that Garmin claims to last up to 12 days at a time.  

Yes, there is a Music Edition for the Garmin Venu Sq, just like the Forerunner series. There are no fundamental design changes from the Music Edition to the regular square smartwatch. It allows you to store up to 500 songs on the watch itself though, including your favourite work out and running playlists on your Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. That way, you may not even need to bring your smartphone out with you for your runs and work out sessions so that you can just focus.  

  • VenuSq2 HR 1000.1
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 3005
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 3004
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 3003
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 3002.36
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 3001.12
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 3000.28
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 2005
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 2004
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 2003
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 2002.28
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 2001.8
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 2000.14
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 1005
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 1004
    Sourcce: Garmin
  • VenuSq2 HR 1003
    Sourcce: Garmin
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    Sourcce: Garmin
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The Garmin Venu Sq is now available in Shadow Grey/Slate, White/Cream Gold, and Cool Mint/Metallic Mint colour options. You can get your hands on one via Garmin’s authorised retail partners offilne and online across the nation. As mentioned, the Venu Sq will set you back MYR 1,230 while the Music Edition of the watch will set you back MYR 1,480. More information on the Venu Sq can be found on their website.

Business, Camera, Lifestyle, News

Sony’s Latest FX30 is the New Compact Super 35 4K Camera for the Future, Or So They Say

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You may say that cinema cameras are a little unnecessary. In most cases, you will be right, they offer very little in terms of photography in both professional and enthusiast segments. Unlike regular photography cameras, they are much bulkier too. Not to mention, they are a lot more expensive to work with while not offering much more in terms of pixel count. Your smartphones today can shoot at up to 8K resolution, or 4K 120fps. So why is Sony’s latest FX30 important? 

It is important simply because it is one of the most compact cinema cameras to come off Sony’s production line. We want to say that the FX30 is technically the spiritual successor to the Sony FX3 introduced a few years ago. While it contains all the right traits to be one, it is a unique camera on its own though.  

The Sony FX3 was technically a repackaged Sony α7S III in a cinema camera guise. It featured a larger body that is also a different colour (grey instead of black). The larger body houses bigger heatsinks and fans to dissipate heat more effectively from the 12-Megapixel sensor that shoots videos at 4K 120fps (up to). The FX30 is different. 

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Source: Sony

The Sony FX30 packs a more powerful (technnically speaking) video sensor that pushes 20.1-Megapixel instead of the 12 that the FX3 has. It is not a full-frame sensor like the FX3 though. Instead, it is an APS-C Exmor R SMOS sensor with back-illumination that offers a rather high ISO sensitivity.  

The APS-C sensor also means that the camera shoots at Super 35 format by default. At that, the camera oversamples the footages from 6K at up to 60fps to scale it down to 4K formats. You can even get the camera to shoot at 120fp (4K) or 240fps (Full HD) if you want that extra smooth feel or that beautiful looking slow motions. Of course, all these are shot at 10-bit 4:2:2 internally. If you have an external recorder that is capable, you can output to 4K 16-bit RAW formats.  

With the latest Sony cameras, you want to shoot videos at S-Log3 for even more details and vibrant footage than before with colour grading. Sony’s cinema line-up of cameras offers ever better gamma settings though. You get something called the S-Cinetone for Sony’s signature cinematic look in combination with BIONZ XR engine. 

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Of course, the BIONZ XT engine also means you get a full suite of Sony’s clever technology for its Alpha cameras. Real-time Eye AF tracking for humans, animals, and birds allows you to keep your subject in full focus quickly no matter where they go within the frame. In combination with AF Assist, autofocusing in a compact camera has never been this easy. There is even a Focus Map that allows the camera to compensate for breathing effects and set your depth of field before you take your final shot. For run-and-gun situations, the Active Mode works with the built-in 5-axis stabilizer with time code synchronization for rock steady footages even in freehand shooting situations.  

Alongside the FX30, Sony launches two new CFexpress Type A cards. You can now get the XFexpress Type A card in 320GB and 640GB flavours in addition to the current 80GB and 160GB variants. Like the existing cards, the CFexpress Type A cards offer 700 MB/s write speeds, which is overkill considering that 4K 120fps videos only writes at up to 400 MB/s at the maximum. The new TOUGH cards are also IP57 water and dust resistant.  

The Sony FX30 comes in the FX30 and FX30B variants. Bost will be available November onward in Malaysia. There is no official pricing detail for Malaysia just yet, but we are keeping our ears close to the ground for that. For more information on the new Sony Cinema Line FX30 and FX30B, you can visit their website.  

Lifestyle, News

Netflix Original Series You’ll Be Able to Binge Before 2022 Ends

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Netflix’s TUDUM event isn’t anything new for long-time Netflix viewers. The event returned for an exciting, feature-packed event over the weekend. There wasn’t any stone left unturned – from series to movies to games.

However, it wasn’t all just shows making their debut in 2023. Here are some of the English language series you’ll be able to binge before 2022 ends or during the holidays during some much-needed R&R.

Already Debuted & Debuting in September

Umbrella Academy (Seasons 1 – 3) – Already Available

I know, I know – it’s a little late for Umbrella Academy to make this list. But Netflix did show off a new blooper reel during TUDUM which you have to see.

The Umbrella Academy Season 3 | BLOOPER REEL | Netflix

The first three seasons of the adventures of the Hargreeves siblings are available for you to catch up on before the fourth and final season debuts. If you haven’t met Vanya, I mean Viktor, Diego, Klaus, Luther, Allison, and Five – what are you waiting for? Follow the story as they discover the secret behind their powers and their dysfunctional family.

Entergalactic (Debuts September 30, 2022)

Entergalatic is a special television event that follows Jabari, an artist on the brink of success. Follow his journey as he learns where love fits into his life while he chases his big break.

https://youtu.be/c_pHCqZkXvY

The animated feature showcases amazing animation and a love story that spans more than just the here and now. It also features music from Kid Cudi and debuts on the same day as his latest album – Entergalactic – drops. Characters are voiced by Scott Mescudi (Jabari), Jessica Williams (Meadow), Timothée Chalamet (Jimmy), Vanessa Hudgens (Karina), Jaden Smith (Jordan) and more.

Coming to Netflix in October 2022

The Watcher (Debuts October 13, 2022)

The Watcher follows a couple who purchase their dream home in the idyllic suburb of Westfield in New Jersey. Follow Dean and Nora Brannock as they discover that all is not as it seems in Westfield as their “unique” neighbours give them an icy welcome. Things go from awkward and irritating to a nightmare as the couple start receiving disturbing letters from “The Watcher”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HDkw100sXQ

The series is based on the true story of the infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey. The series is spearheaded by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan who have worked on hit series like Ratchet, Glee and Netflix’s latest hit Dahmer. Bobby Cannavale and Naomi Watts play Dean and Nora.

Coming to Netflix in November 2022

Manifest Season 4 Part1 (Debuts November 4, 2022)

Manifest is probably one of the most well-known series on the list. The series was initially cancelled after a successful 3-season run on NBC. Netflix swooped in giving the series a final fourth season. The fourth season continues the story of the mysterious flight 828 that disappeared en route to New York from Jamaica only to reappear five years later.

Manifest: Season 4 | Official Trailer | Netflix

Season 4 will take off where Season 3 ended with Cal reappearing after mysteriously vanishing when he touched the tail fin of Flight 828. But all is not as it once was as he’s returned older than he was. The series will continue to follow our heroes – Michaela, Ben, Cal, Zeke, and Saanvi – who race to unravel the mystery surrounding their reappearance before time runs out. The series stars Josh Dallas, Melissa Roxburgh, Matt Long and J.R. Ramirez.

The Crown Season 5 (Debuts November 9, 2022)

Netflix’s critically acclaimed historical drama of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign continues into its 5th and penultimate season this November. Having already covered the early part of her reign in Season 1, her wedding, and her relationship with Margaret Thatcher and Lady Diana Spencer, the new season of The Crown will continue in chronological order.

The Crown | Season 5 | A Message From Imelda Staunton | Netflix

The 10-episode fifth season will trace Her Majesty through the late 90s and early 2000s. The season also marks the second wholesale recasting of the ensemble. Imelda Staunton leads a brand new ensemble with the talents of Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Jonny Lee Miller, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki.

Dead to Me (Debuts November 17, 2022)

After many delays, the third and final season of Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated dark comedy, Dead to Me will finally debut on November 17. Follow unlikely friends – Jen and Judy – as they continue to get into awkward situations and hijinx that are mind-numbingly hilarious.

Dead to Me: Season 3 | Official Teaser | Netflix

The third season picks up where season 2 left off with our dynamic duo injured and abandoned after their fateful car crash. Find out what happens as they will undoubtedly get into more hijinx and drama. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini reprise their roles in the final season.

1899 (Debuts November 17, 2022)

1899 is a brand new German series coming to Netflix on November 17, 2022. The period mystery-horror follows a group of European migrants as they leave London on a steamship in the hopes of starting new lives in New York. However, things take a turn when they encounter another migrant ship adrift in the open sea. The series stars Emily Beecham, Aneurin Barnard, Andreas Pietschmann and Miguel Bernardeau.

1899 | Official Teaser | Netflix

Wednesday (Debuts November 23, 2022)

The Addams family is coming back to the silver screen with a brand new series which follows the daughter of the family – Wednesday Addams.

Wednesday Addams | Official Teaser | Netflix

The new Netflix Horror comedy will follow Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy. The supernatural mystery comedy will see Wednesday and some familiar characters as she learns to master her psychic powers, stop a mysterious killing spree of town citizens and unravel a supernatural mystery that has her family in the centre of it all. The series stars Jenna Ortega, Luis Guzman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Coming to Netflix in December 2022

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio ( Debuts December 9 2022)

Gullermo Del Toro spearheads a stop motion retelling of the popular tale of Pinnochio, a wooden puppet to comes to life in 1930s Italy.

GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO | Official Teaser Trailer | Netflix

The new animated feature, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio, will follow Pinnochio as he becomes a boy and discovers the meaning of life. Pinnochio turns out to be one of the worst behaved boys playing pranks and causing mischief. Can he live up to his father’s expectations?

The animated feature stars Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley and Christoph Waltz.

Emily in Paris Season 3 (Debuts 21 December 2022)

Emily Cooper is back for a third season in Paris! After the events of season 2, Emily finds herself in between a rock and a hard place both romantically and professionally.

Emily in Paris Season 3 | Date Announcement Teaser | Netflix

Continue to follow the misadventures of Emily in Paris as she continues to navigate the highs and lows of her life as a Marketing Executive. Lily Collins, Lucas Bravo, Ashley Park, and Lucien Laviscount all reprise their roles in the new season.

The Witcher: Blood Origin (Debuts December 25, 2022)

Set 1200 years before the events of The Witcher, Blood Origin follows a group of outcasts that fight to preserve what was once taken from them.

The Witcher: Blood Origin | Post-Credits Teaser | Netflix

The quest sees the creation of the first Witcher as conflict arises and threatens their worlds. The events of Blood Origin will unravel the untold tales which took place before the “conjunction of spheres”. The series stars Michelle Yeoh, Jacob Collins-Levy, Sophia Brown and Laurence O’Fuarain.

Business, Lifestyle, News

iQIYI Launches Local Original ‘Rampas Cintaku’ in Partnership with Grab is not Just for Show 

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iQIYI, for those unfamiliar, is one of the bigger streaming platforms in Malaysia beside Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video. The contents you can find on iQIYI, compared to the other streaming platforms, are quite unique as well. They offer mostly Asian based contents mainly from places like China, they are a China based streaming platform, after all. 

iQIYI is unique not just because it offers their own Asian based contents. Now they are going into making their own localised contents for their platform. When we say localised, we mean that they are funding Malaysian production houses to create exclusive content. The shows available on iQIYI will also be available in other regions where the platform operates giving even more exposure to local production, 

The first of many to come is ‘Rampas Cintaku’. It is a Bahasa Melayu title that translates to ‘Snatch My Love’ in English. It is also the first locally produced show that is produced and distributed exclusively by iQIYI in over 191 countries.  

In comparison, there is one locally produced show exclusively funded by and for Netflix, but there are no plans for more yet at this conjuction. The show is also only available in select regions. Then again, there are plenty of Netflix shows and movies available in other regions that are not available locally and vice versa,  

We said that ‘Rampas Cintaku’ is the first of many locally produced shows on iQIYI. That is also because iQIYI has a proper roadmap that outlines more locally produced shows to be published on their platform and to be available in over 191 countries they operate in. They have not mentioned any titles yet, but they have teased that their next locally produced show will be in partnership with FoodPanda. 

The premise of more Malaysian films to be aired on an international streaming platform is quite significant. It is a sort of validation or indication that there is demand for locally produced films. It also signifies that the demand for locally produced films is not limited to the local market, but also foreign markets like China.

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IQIYI is not really playing guessing games when it comes to deciding where their money goes to as well. Before their exclusively produced ‘Rampas Cintaku’, iQIYI has been licensing plenty of locally produced shows with Bahasa Melayu as the spoken language. Following the increasing number and consumption pattern of the locally produced shows on iQIYI, it only makes sense for the platform to take things to the next level and start funding the local production houses to produce iQIYI exclusive shows and develop local talents even further.  

Of course, there is also the aspect that iQIYI offers more creative freedom to scriptwriters in their storytelling. Taking ‘Rampas Cintaku’ as a sort of benchmark, the romance melodrama touches sensitive topics that cannot usually be shown on local television. The show touches on certain taboo topics like extramarital relationships. Obviously, the show is really made for the more mature audience group.  

‘Rampas Cintaky’ is now available for viewing exclusively on iQIYI. You can either download the app from Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store or access their website directly to view the series. You must also have a subscription plan to access iQIYI’s full library and ‘Rampas Cintaku’. More on ‘Rampas Cintaku’ can be found on their website.