Category Archives: Lifestyle

iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Spotify Tests TikTok Style Video Feeds for Discovering New Music

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Spotify is one of the most popular audio streaming apps in the world. It is currently one of the most complete as well in terms of listening options. You do not only have music; you also get the largest collection of podcasts the world has seen so far. On top of that, it might be the cleverest audio streaming app you can find today.

Spotify features nifty ways for you to discover new music. The app understands the sorts of music you listen to daily and gives you suggestions to music that might match your music tastes, your playlists’ moods, or themes. You can even discover music with your friends now with the Spotify Blend feature.

Soon though, you might be able to discover music on Spotify in a brand-new way. You want to keep in mind that this is a feature not fully released to the final app, so you might want to take it with a pinch of salt. The feature was first spotted by a certain Chris Messina on Spotify’s TestFlight build, a beta Spotify app for the iOS. There are no mentions on whether you can find the feature on Android’s version of Spotify Beta apps.

As reported by TechCrunch, the new Discover feature is a button or tab of its own that takes up the fourth spot on Spotify’s navigation bar. Spotify has confirmed that they are in the midst of testing this new ‘Discover’ function. While it does sound like Spotify is simply adding a simple random music search feature to the app, you might want to take a closer look at it.

Discover is a sort of short-form video content that sits on Spotify. It can be likened to TikTok, yes. But the sole purposed of it is for users to discover new music. You cannot be freely posting contents into the platform like TikTok. Instead, the feature now allows users to scroll through short video clips accompanied with curated music paired to the video feed. This does sound a lot like Spotify’s Canvas feature which played short video clips for certain songs.

Again, this feature is only available on iOS devices. It is also not a fully released feature, which also means you must source for Beta versions of the Spotify app. Sadly if you are on Android, you might be out of luck.

Lifestyle, News

Spotify, You One-Stop-Shop for All Your Netflix Soundtracks, Playlists, and Podcasts

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In a world where experts thought, just a few years ago, that TV would be dead and short form content platforms like YouTube will takeover, TV and films are doing better than ever. You cannot credit their strength to manufacturers though. Rather, these things come because of technologies that exists and allows the existence of Netflix.

Netflix is now bigger than life though. While there are other platforms like Disney+, or Amazon Prime Videos, Netflix is still king. It is the one platform that you go to time and time again to find contents to watch. It is, at least personally, the first platform that we switch on to find entertainment before even YouTube.

You can never get enough of Netflix though. After every show, you might discover something about the show that you liked. The most common of that is the soundtracks used in the show or movie. Within two weeks of Squid Game’s debut on Netflix, 22,500 unique Squid Game themed playlists were created by Spotify users to keep the show alive.

Netflix very much understands that their users are looking for entertainment far beyond their own scope. Spotify sees this too, obviously, being the largest audio streaming platform known to man. A collaboration was imminent.

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Source: Spotify

They call it the Netflix Hub on Spotify and it is the best way for you to experience your Netflix shows beyond the streaming platform, at least according to Spotify and Netflix. In the hub premium users can find all official soundtracks, playlists, and even podcasts from Netflix’s shows. You can easily access soundtracks from shows like Squid Game, Bruised, and even Cowboy Bebop.

The collaboration is more than just compiling soundtracks, playlists, and podcasts though. In honor of the final season of Money Heist, Spotify has included new videos from the cast of the show (not available in Malaysia yet, as far as we can tell). They have also updated the soundtrack playlist with songs used the latest episodes of the show. There are also new features like Character Match Playlist quiz that matches you to your favourite characters from the Spanish show.

Of course, the collaboration will not just end at Money Heist. As Netflix populates its library with new contents, so will Spotify with dedicated Netflix contents. You might see a Squid Game related video content and quiz in the future, you will never know.

Lifestyle, News

Electrolux Contributes Air Purifiers to Sg Buloh Hospital to help prevent Nosocomial Infections

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Nosocomial infections, better known as hospital-acquired infections, have always been a concern for patients and healthcare workers. In the midst of a pandemic, the concern and risk of contracting one are significantly increased. With the COVID-19 pandemic, these infections are more common in patients suffering from COVID-19 and even healthcare workers. This can also include a COVID-19 infection.

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Electrolux, one of the leading electrical appliance companies, has recognised the increased risk that front liners and patients face in the midst of the pandemic. Hence, Electrolux Malaysia has decided to help alleviate the risk by supplying Hospital Sg Buloh with the Electrolux Pure A9. The air purifiers deployed to Sg Buloh hospital will be used to help provide better air quality for patients and healthcare workers.

The Electrolux Pure A9 is equipped with ionizer technology with a 5-step filtration system that is able to remove 99.99% of bacteria and influenza A (H1N1). The system is also able to reduce the presence of human coronaviruses (HCoV-229E) by up to 97%. The company is confident that these air-purifiers will be able to help in combating COVID-19.

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The Electrolux Pure A9 works by continually monitoring the air quality of the room it is deployed in. Using the PureSense system, the Pure A9 will intelligently respond to changes in air quality by measuring both indoor and outdoor air quality. With this information, it will automatically adjust the purification rate. The air purifier is designed to reach and purify every corner with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) three times higher than the previous generation. It is also designed to minimise sound pollution with a minimum noise level of 16.5dB.

In total, Electrolux donated 20 units of the Pure A9 air purifiers. This was spread across two models: the PA91-606DG (14 units) and the PA91-406GY (6 units). Together with this, Electrolux also donated 14 units of the DEEP 360 Filter 13 600 and six units of the DEEP 360 Filter 13 400.

Accessories, Camera, Lifestyle, Mobile

Instax at the Next Level with the Fujifilm instax mini Evo

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Fujifilm’s instax series is truly a wonder in the modern digital world today. Fujifilm not only single-handedly revived a retro technology to fit today’s odd world. They also made the retro format of instax’s instant film segment more popular than ever. Of course, you can also thank the ‘hipster’ trend for that.

Let us be very honest with the technology that is instax. It is not a modern technology by any measurements today. We generally refer to this instant film camera technology as the Polaroid technology. Polaroid is not a technology though; it was a brand. They were, however, the first to make a commercially viable and available instant film cameras was introduced in 1948 by Polaroid themselves in the Polaroid Model 95. Many companies follow suit in 1948 onward. You see large names like Kodak, Keystone, Konica, Minolta, and of course, Fujifilm.

Plenty of these names have moved on from this aging technology and started getting into the digital imaging game though. All of them did, except for Kodak, which went bust eventually. Fujifilm went hybrid though, which might explain their longevity in the business.

The Fujifilm instax then is based on a technology that is nearly 75 years old. But it was never marketed as a serious camera for serious photographers anyway. We think that could by why it stayed in business. They started with simple analogue cameras that required AA batteries to run. Now though, the instax brand is a worldwide phenomenon and there is a game changer on the block.

They call it the instax mini Evo. “Evo” as in evolution, and we kind of think it is sort of one. The device is a cross between a true wireless printer and a camera.

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    Source: Fujifilm
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    Source: Fujifilm

We have seen this kind of implementation before when Fujifilm introduced their square formatted films. The instax min Evo is not that much different, but at the same time it is a completely new product that could really drive the instant film photography industry forward.

The Fujifilm instax mini Evo is still a camera. The design is based on Fujifilm’s highly acclaimed X-T series cameras. The design language and material choice add a certain luxury and premium feel to it. It is no longer just a plastic toy; the heft actually feels like it is worth your every penny now.

It is not just a camera though, it is an instant film printer for your smartphone as well, which makes it even more useful and cleverer than ever before. Instead of having to take a new photo everytime or using the camera all the time, you can simply pick photos from your smartphone and be happy with the result in no time.

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    Source: Fujifilm
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    Source: Fujifilm

The Fujifilm instax mini Evo will be available 3rd of December 2021 onward in Japan. When it is available in Malaysia, it will set you back MYR 928. Alongside the instax mini Evo, Fujifilm is also introducing a new Stone Gray film with grey frames instead of the usual white. That will be available in the same day for MYR 99. Each pack contains 10 films. More information on the Fujifilm instax mini Evo can be found on their website.  

Accessories, Gaming, Lifestyle, News

More Razer Immersion for your Sony PlayStation 5 with the Kaira Pro

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The PlayStation 5 was launched last year. Nearly a year on and we still have not gotten our hands on one yet. Stock shortages for the PlayStation 5 is also still an issue at this time. That has not stopped the gaming industry one bit though. Peripherals for the platform has grown stronger than ever.

About a month ago, Razer introduced new headphones that are made for the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox platform. The PlayStation 5 is special though. There has not been a proper headphone that would take full advantage of Sony’s amazing audio technology for the PlayStation 5. Until now that is.

Razer Kaira Pro & Kaira Headset

The Razer Kaira Pro, according to Razer, is the first Dual Wireless Headset made for the Sony PlayStation with Haptics. To be fair, it is the first headphone of its kind.

Instead of adding immersion with the usual virtual surround sound, the Razer Kaira Pro features Haptics. Yes, Haptics as in vibration-based feedback. They call it the Razer HyperSense and they claim that it is a game-changer in console immersion. It vibrates along with your Dualsense controller for that extra immersion.

Of course, it is still a powerful gaming headphone. It packs Razer’s TriForce Titanium 50mm driver for that extra bass punch. The TriForce Titanium drivers also delivers excellent high and mid frequencies.

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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer
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    Source: Razer

It is a gaming headphone after all, so you would need a good mic to be able to get your team to line-up with you. The Razer Kaira Pro also comes with Razer’s proven HyperClear Supercardioid Mic. Working with the mic is Razer’s clever vocal recognition algorithm that cancels out background noise to ensure that you get uninterrupted team chats.

Of course, while it is a PlayStation 5 focused peripheral, it does not discriminate. It still works with the PlayStation 4 platforms, PC, and even your smartphone with either Bluetooth or 2.4GHz receiver you can plug into the USB Type-C or Type-A ports. You want to use the provided HyperSpeed Dongle.

Price and Availability

The Razer Kaira will be available from Razer’s authorised retailers and Razer’s own online store from 16th of November 2021 onward. The Kaira Pro will be available officially in December 2021 onward. The headphones will set you back MYR 489 and MYR 979 respectively. You can find more information on the Razer Kaira and Kaira Pro on Razer’s website.

Computers, Consumer Electronics, Gaming, Lifestyle, News

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 Lands in Malaysia for MYR 9,499

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A few months ago, Samsung launched this behemoth of a thing. It was made for gamers, and it was a gaming peripheral that the ultimate gamer would need. If anyone would own one, it is the ultimate statement piece. That was July 2021.

They call it the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 gaming monitor and it looked glorious. While it was more expensive than the older Odyssey G9 that it replaced, the improvements perhaps more than justifies its price tag. Not that you get a bigger display or anything, you just get a much better package than before.

The headline figures say it all. Mini LED, dual QHD 1440p resolution at 49 inches (32:9) with 12-bit colours, HDR2000 at 2000nits and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and 240Hz. No matter how you look at it, it just sounds majestic. It also sounds like an awfully expensive television set, not a gaming monitor.

We assure you that we are talking about a gaming monitor though. The 49-inch stretches to an ultrawide aspect ratio of 32:9. It is also compatible with NVIDIA’s G-Sync, and AMD’s FreeSync Premium to take advantage of anything you already have. Unfortunately, your PlayStation and Xbox will not be able to fill up the display, this is a PC only territory. It also has something Samsung calls ‘CoreSync’ lighting. The RGB lighting at the back lights up according to the dominant colour of your display to further transport and immerse you in your games.

Of course, to look the part, it has to work the part. That is why the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9’s 49-inch Mini LED panel’s feed is fed by HDMI 2.1. At 2,048 dimming zones, you are getting a gaming and viewing experience like no other; you might as well live in the game world. It reacts quickly too at 1ms GtG response time. When Samsung says this is the ultimate gaming display, we believe it.

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Unfortunately, at the time of launch, Malaysia did not get to see the Odyssey Neo G9. The hope that it would arrive sooner was bleak due to the major stock shortage Samsung faced. Halted and delayed productions of course played a part in the whole thing too.

Now though, you do not need to just dream of the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, you can officially own it in Malaysia. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is now available in Samsung Official Stores and showrooms across the nation. Of course, you can get them from Samsung’s official retailers and resellers as well. How much? It will set you back MYR 9,499. We predicted that this would set you back a little over MYR 1,000 above its official asking price though. in that case, all in all, that is not a bad asking price, if you have the money.

Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Now you can Easily Block Other People on Spotify

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Today’s generation is the most connected one so far. But it is a generation also where cutting off someone is as easy as a click of a button. There is something called ‘cancel culture’ in the world of social media today.

While there are plenty of reasons why you would want to cut a person off, for whatever reasons, on social media, wanting to block a person on streaming platform like Spotify is a little odd. There is a way to block certain artists from ever appearing on your Spotify home feed. That feature was introduced back in 2019. For whatever reason as well, users have been wanting to block other users instead on the platform.

To be fair, Spotify is more than just a music streaming app today. It is also a social platform where you can add friends, follow their playlists and even see what they are playing in real time. In a sense, if someone is in your friends list, their listening privacy is gone. You can ensure that your listening session does not appear on any of your friends feed by turning on ‘Private Session’, but that only lasts for a limited time before Spotify kicks you back into online mode to update your songs and your recommendations.

You now can decide to block other users from accessing your activities now though. It is as simple as clicking the person’s profile and tap the “Block User” option. Once you have done that, the person will not be able to see you appearing on their ‘friend’s activity’ list on the right side of the app anymore, at least on the desktop interface. That way, you also limit what you show the person you blocked.

While showing your Spotify activity may not seem all that harmful, it could lead to a bigger impact. Some might think that just showing the ‘Now Listening to’ information as an empty information your friends cannot use. For example, other users can use the activity information from Spotify to harass you on other platforms like Facebook or Instagram, for example. They could also use whatever information they can gather against you as well for that matter. Remember, information in the wrong hands can be dangerous.

The function should be available to users very soon, at least according to Spotify as per Engadget.

Gaming, Lifestyle, News

Complete Your Gaming Set Up with ROG x IKEA

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ASUS’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced a partnership with IKEA to bring more gamer-centric furniture to complete your setup not too long ago. However, the partnership was exclusive to Taiwan and China until today. The ROG x IKEA gaming furniture is now available at IKEA outlets across Malaysia.

The collaboration comes in five new product ranges which IKEA dubs its gaming range: the UPPSPEL, LÅNESPELARE, MATCHSPEL, UTESPELARE and HUVUDSPELARE. The new product families have IKEA’s unique, minimalist approach with insights from ROG’s long relationship with gamers. The UPPSPEL, however, is a true co-developed product with ROG engineers working closely with IKEA product designers.

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The new gaming range focuses on bringing ergonomic comfort to gamers while they work to take out their challengers and best their opponents. Gamers can choose from a wide range of furniture which covers a wide range of price ranges. IKEA is offering a choice of three gaming chairs which range from MYR299 to MYR699. While the ROGxIKEA gaming desk, UPPSPEL, will set you back MYR2,499. Each piece of furniture is designed while taking into consideration the unique needs of a gamer. IKEA and ROG have put thought into everything from ergonomics to ventilation for your gaming setup.

The partnership doesn’t simply cover gaming furniture. You’ll also be able to get accessories such as a mouse bungee, headset stand and mug to complete your epic setup. The best part is these items are all priced below MYR80. If you’re not looking to get a completely new set-up, these additions should be more than welcome.

As part of their launch, ROG and IKEA have set up vignettes and showrooms with ROG gaming PCs in IKEA outlets across Malaysia. The gaming rigs in the stores feature some of the best components from ROG paired with Kingston’s performance RAM and storage. The rigs are available for you to experience at IKEA Damansara, Cheras, Terbrau and Batu Kawan.

For the complete lineup and prices, you can head on down the official ROG x IKEA webpage.

Lifestyle, News

Astro Moves To Become Your One Stop Entertainment Power House With New Packages and Partnerships

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Malaysia’s largest satellite TV provider, Astro, is undergoing a humungous change. It seems like their paradigm on entertainment is changing to be more embracing and forward-thinking. Only recently, the company announced that they will be changing their traditional decoders to the new Ulti Box and the Ultra Box; now Astro is taking a leap forward to turn their set-top box into a living room essential.

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Launch event Hosted by Astro

While they are still staying true to linear programming with the hundreds of channels already under their belt, Astro is also embracing partnerships with streaming platforms. We already saw the inklings of this with their partnership with Disney+ Hotstar. With their latest announcement, they are embracing even more platforms and giving one of the largest streaming platforms a home on their set-top box. Netflix will now be natively available on Ultra and Ulti boxes with a new software update. The new update is the first to bring native apps to Astro’s platform. They are teasing the availability of more native apps from their partners like iQIYI and Disney+ in the near future.

New Packs and Bundles with App

However, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Together with their big shift, Astro is also revamping their packages. Users don’t have to deal with the confusing mixing and matching that they once had to with Astro’s Superpacks. Instead, the company has revealed more streamlined packages which also include subscriptions to some of the most popular streaming apps.

At the top of the selections, Astro is introducing a new Platinum Pack which will include most of the linear channels available on Astro and subscriptions to Astro Go, Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and HBO GO. The package is priced at MYR219.99. Additional charges apply for Asian Favourites which include Chinese, Indonesian and Indian channels at MYR14.99 for each sub-pack.

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Source: Astro

Below this tier, there is the Entertainment Plus Pack which includes 110 channels covering Korean, Kids, Variety, Horror and Astro Go. It also includes access to Netflix. However, like the Platinum Pack, you will need to top up MYR14.99 for the Asian Favourites sub packs on top of the MYR144.99 cost of the Entertainment Plus Pack. In addition, you can add on other channels including your sports and movie channels for an additional fee starting at MYR14.99 monthly. The Entertainment Pack is a step below with 105 channels covering only the Variety and Kids sub packs without access to Netflix. This is priced at MYR104.99.

Astro’s barebones package is now the Primary Pack which comes with some 90 channels and access to Astro Go for MYR74.99 a month. They also have two combos with the movies and sports sub packs which cost MYR109.99 and MYR104.99 respectively.

Beware the Fineprint

It’s worth noting that aside from Disney+ Hotstar and HBO GO which comes bundled with the Movie Pack, complimentary access to Netflix is limited to the basic HD package of the streaming service. This limits your content to HD resolution with only 2 simultaneous connections. Upgrading to the premium package with Astro will be an addition MYR9.43. Access to the TVB Anywhere+ app is also linked to a subscription to the Chinese sub pack and is limited to HD resolution across 2 simultaneous devices. Access to the iQIYI VIP app is also available for Astro subscribers for an additional fee.

Launch Promos

Astro is having launch promos that bring up to MYR25 in discounts for monthly subscriptions.

The All New Astro Experience
Source: Astro

A New Satelite-less Experience

Astro wasn’t done with the announcements just yet. It also announced a new plug and play version of the Ultra and Ulti boxes. The new experience removes the need for Astro subscribers to have the now signature satellite dish on their homes. Instead, it will connect to the internet and allow users to have seamless, uninterrupted access to their content – rain or shine.

Computers, Lifestyle, News

Acer Brings the Aspire Vero to Malaysia

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We’ve been hearing and seeing more tech companies making strides to make technology greener and be more environmentally friendly. However, very few have followed through with grassroots efforts and tangible products which help them progress in their goals. At their recent next@acer, Acer announced a new sub-brand that would focus on driving their efforts in becoming a greener company – the Vero. The Acer Vero sub-brand is only one of their efforts in progressing what they call the Earthion (Earth Mission) of bettering the environment and producing technology more responsibly.

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Source: Acer

Acer announced its new Aspire Vero in Malaysia today. However, before we talk about the tech, it would be remiss of us to not highlight their efforts in bringing their Earthion closer to fruition in Malaysia. The company has adopted 15 trees in the Taman Tugu – a green lung in the nation’s capital. However, it’s not just about adopting trees, Acer is also bringing their partners and collaborators into the fold. Five of the company’s partners including PIKOM, Team Lugiami, Microsoft and the National Cancer Society of Malaysia have pledged their support for Acer’s Earthion.

Creating the Opportunity to Choose Responsible Technology

The company views the Aspire Vero as a crucial part of achieving its Earthion. The new laptop affords consumers a more responsible choice when it comes to buying laptops. The Aspire Vero incorporates post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics in its chassis and keycaps. In fact, the chassis is 30% PCR plastics while the keycaps are made of 50% PCR plastics. While it would have been nice to see Acer raise the bar higher, limitations on processes and technology when it comes to recycling these plastics force the company to still use virgin plastics for the sake of rigidity and sturdiness. However, Acer’s Aspire Vero accounts for a significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during production. Each unit accounts for a 21% reduction. The packaging of the Acer Aspire Vero keeps in line with the environmentally cautious nature of the lineup being made of up to 85% recycled paper pulp and using soy ink exclusively for printing.

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Source: Acer

So, what does an environmentally cautious laptop look like? Acer has intentionally made the Acer Aspire Vero take a very nature-inspired approach to texture and design. It makes the Vero both unique and functional. What’s more, the laptop isn’t sacrificing much when it comes to performance. It comes with a 15.6-inch IPS Display with Full HD resolution. The panel itself is 99% recyclable. It’s powered by Intel’s 11th generation Core processors and has up to 16GB of RAM. It also takes advantage of Intel’s Iris Xe Graphics making it capable of some graphical prowess. It comes with 512GB of storage.

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Source: Acer

When it comes to connectivity, the Acer Aspire Vero comes with support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. It also has a full array of ports including an HDMI, two USB 3.2 ports, 1 USB Type-C, an Ethernet port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also has an HD webcam and a claimed 7-hour battery life.

Pricing & Availability

The Acer Aspire Vero will be available starting 11th November 2021. The i5 version will be priced at MYR3,399 while the i7 version will be priced at MYR4,299.

In conjunction with the launch, early adopters will be entitled to freebies worth up to MYR500 with every purchase. In addition, MYR100 of each unit sold will be chanelled to fund more tree adoptions in Taman Tugu.