Category Archives: Lifestyle

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Hisense Takes Center Stage as Official VAR Screen Provider for UEFA EURO 2024™

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Electronics giant Hisense has secured a significant role in the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament, becoming the Official Screen Provider for the Video-Assisted Referee (VAR). This announcement, made at the 2024 Sports Marketing Workshop in Qingdao, China, marks the first time UEFA has granted exclusive rights to one of its sponsors.

Hisense UEFA
Source: Hisense

The appointment builds on Hisense’s existing partnership with UEFA EURO 2024™. The company will provide state-of-the-art screen solutions for the central VAR Room located in Leipzig, Germany. This room houses video match referees who utilize VAR technology to review and assist on-field decisions during the tournament. VAR technology, which includes UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology (SAOT), plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and accurate calls, particularly in key moments like goals, penalties, and red cards.

Throughout the competition, video referees will rely on Hisense screens to analyze plays. The company’s branding and design rights also extend to all pitch-side referee review screens, ensuring prominent visibility for the Hisense brand during VAR reviews on the field and giant stadium screens.

Hisense UEFA 2
Source: Hisense

This selection highlights Hisense’s expertise in display technology, accumulated over five decades. The company’s strong performance in the global TV market, consistently holding the second position for two years and nearing the top spot, is further bolstered by a remarkable 35.9% year-on-year growth in TV shipments within the European market for Q1 2024.

“UEFA is delighted to have Hisense’s commitment to European football,” stated Guy-Laurent, Marketing Director of UEFA. He emphasized the role of Hisense’s cutting-edge screen technology in supporting VAR teams and ensuring fair decisions throughout the tournament.

This partnership signifies a continuation of Hisense’s long-standing connection with UEFA EURO tournaments, dating back to 2016. The company remains dedicated to driving technological advancements and elevating the viewing experience for football fans across Europe.

Gaming, Lifestyle

PlayStation Celebrates Days of Play with Discounts Up to 30%, Free PS Plus Games, PS VR2 & PS2 Titles, and Free Themed Avatars!

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Gear up, PlayStation owners and enthusiasts! The annual Days of Play celebration kicks off today, May 29th, and runs for two weeks until June 12th. This year’s event promises to be a blockbuster, featuring exciting deals on popular titles, a significant boost to the PlayStation Plus service, and even free celebratory avatars to enhance your online presence.

Days of Play

Deep Discounts Up to 30% on PS5, PS4 & PS VR Games:

Get ready to bolster your game library without breaking the bank! The PlayStation Store is launching a dedicated Days of Play promotion featuring enticing discounts on a wide variety of titles.

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Early estimates suggest markdowns of up to 30% on select games. While specific details haven’t been fully revealed yet, the PlayStation Blog hints at exciting deals on recent releases like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and WWE 2K24, alongside beloved classics across PS5, PS4, and PS VR.

A dedicated Days of Play page on the PlayStation Store will go live on May 29th, showcasing all the participating games and their respective discounts. Keep an eye out for titles you’ve been eyeing or discover hidden gems at fantastic prices!

PlayStation Plus Gets a Supercharge with Free Games and More:

PlayStation Plus members are in for a treat during Days of Play! Depending on your subscription tier, you can unlock some fantastic bonuses:

Days of Play PS PLus
  • All PlayStation Plus Members (Essential): Get ready to add some free-to-play games to your library! Specific titles haven’t been announced yet, but Sony promises exciting options to keep you entertained throughout the event. On top of that, all PlayStation Plus members can download exclusive, commemorative avatars celebrating some of the popular titles offered through PlayStation Plus during Days of Play. These avatars are a fantastic way to show off your love for your favourite games! You can find these avatars on the PlayStation Plus web page or visit the PlayStation Plus Days of Play page on your PS5 or PS4 console to get the voucher code.
  • PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Members: Brace yourselves for a major expansion of the PlayStation Plus game catalogue! These tiers will be bolstered with the addition of PS VR2 titles and classic PS2 games. Dive into the immersive world of virtual reality with new PS VR2 titles, or take a nostalgic trip down memory lane by revisiting iconic PS2 classics like SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake, AEW Fight Forever, and Streets of Rage 4. This opens doors to a treasure trove of new and wonderfully nostalgic gaming experiences.

Celebrate with Free-Themed Avatars:

Showcase your love for PlayStation with exclusive, free Days of Play avatars! These commemorative avatars celebrate some of the popular games offered through PlayStation Plus during the event. All PlayStation Plus members can download these avatars to personalize their online profile and show off their gaming enthusiasm.

Something for Every PlayStation Fan:

Days of Play caters to PlayStation owners and enthusiasts of all levels, from seasoned veterans to newcomers just starting their PlayStation journey. With a vast library of discounted games (up to 30% off!), exciting additions to the PlayStation Plus service (free PS Plus games, PS VR2 & PS2 titles!), and free celebratory avatars, it’s the perfect time to discover new favourites, revisit classics, and celebrate your love for all things PlayStation.

Keep an eye on the official PlayStation Blog (https://blog.playstation.com/) throughout Days of Play for updates on specific discounts, free-to-play games, PlayStation Plus benefits, and commemorative avatars. With a focus on offering something for all types of players, this year’s Days of Play promises to be a fun-filled event for the entire PlayStation community.

Lifestyle, News

Samsung Malaysia Announces Pre-registration for the new BESPOKE Jet Bot Combo Steam

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Samsung has unveiled the BESPOKE Jet Bot Combo Steam for those seeking a more efficient cleaning routine. This robot vacuum cleaner goes beyond basic suction, offering a comprehensive cleaning solution for your floors.

The yet-to-be-announced Jet Bot Combo boasts powerful suction to tackle dust and debris. However, what truly sets it apart is its high-temperature self-cleaning system. After mopping your floors, the system utilizes a combination of steam and water (ranging from 50 to 60°C) to thoroughly remove dirt from the mops itself. Additionally, the steam sanitizes the mops at a temperature of 100°C, ensuring a more hygienic clean for your home.

Bespoke Jet Bot Combo

Beyond its cleaning prowess, Samsung’s Jet Bot Combo Steam boasts a sleek and modern design that complements any décor. This robot vacuum seamlessly integrates into your existing furniture, ensuring a stylish addition to your home.

Ready to experience the future of clean floors? Register your interest online between May 28th and June 10th, 2024 to receive a voucher code for a discounted pre-order. Using your voucher code during the pre-order period between June 11th and June 24th, 2024, you’ll receive a discount of RM200 on the Jet Bot Combo Steam.

Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle

U Mobile Celebrates Kaamatan with Free 5G Bus and Exciting Activities

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U Mobile is kindling the spirit of Kaamatan to Sabah with Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan, a festive event happening from May 27th to 31st, 2024. Located right across from the Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) where official Kaamatan celebrations unfold, Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan promises a fun-filled experience for all festivalgoers.

U Mobile Kaamatan 2024

U Mobile ups the ante this Kaamatan by launching Sabah’s first-ever 5G Bus! This double-decker provides free shuttle services between Imago Mall and KDCA, operating from 10 am to 7 pm daily. But it’s not just a ride – it’s an experience. Powered by U Mobile’s robust 5G network, passengers can enjoy lightning-fast internet access throughout the journey.

The 5G Bus isn’t just about connectivity. Passengers can also enjoy VR gaming, sing their hearts out at karaoke, be entertained by live busker performances, and strike a pose at the neon-lit Wall. Snap a photo with the wall, upload it to Instagram or TikTok, and you can win exciting prizes like 5G phones and earbuds! Feel free to stay onboard for multiple trips and experience everything the 5G Bus has to offer.

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The 5G Bus drops you off at Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan, where even more excitement awaits. U Mobile is giving away 2,000 prizes throughout the event, including 5G phones, earbuds, Grab vouchers, and classic festival treats like popcorn and cotton candy. Meet your favourite ERA Sabah personalities, beauty queens, and content creators, and indulge in delicious offerings from GrabFood’s dedicated 5-star booth.

This event follows the recent opening of U Mobile’s first store in East Malaysia, located at Imago Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu. It’s another chapter in U Mobile’s ongoing commitment to expanding its brand presence and network in the region.

Ready to join the festivities? Visit the official Facebook event page for Cara U Sabah: Kaamatan and the first-ever 5G Bus!

Business, Lifestyle, News

TM Unifi Introduces UniVerse: Customizable Bundles for Home Connectivity and Entertainment

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TM‘s Unifi has launched “UniVerse”, a new suite of customizable, converged packages designed to cater to the diverse needs of modern digital customers. UniVerse offers a one-stop shop for home connectivity, entertainment, and potentially even smart home features.

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UniVerse departs from the traditional one-size-fits-all internet packages. It allows customers to build a plan that aligns with their specific requirements. This flexibility caters to various users, from individuals seeking basic internet access to families requiring high-speed connectivity, entertainment options, and smart home functionalities.

Unifi’s UniVerse consists of three core components: UniFi Home, UniFi Mobile, and UniFi TV. The diverse range of offerings allows users to customise and converge home fibre connectivity, mobile 5G connectivity and IPTV entertainment. Here’s a quick rundown of the offerings for each segment:

  • UniFi Home: Customers can choose from various internet speeds, ranging from a value-driven 100Mbps plan to a supercharged 800Mbps option for those who demand lightning-fast connectivity.
  • UniFi Mobile: UniVerse allows users to bundle their home internet plan with a data plan under the UniFi Mobile banner. This potentially offers cost savings and a convenient way to manage both services under one platform.
  • UniFi TV: UniVerse offers a variety of TV packages catering to different interests and budgets. This could include a basic package with local channels or a comprehensive family package with diverse entertainment options.
Choose Your UniVerse with Unifi

Unifi does offer the option to add smart home features to the UniVerse bundle. However, it doesn’t seem possible to include it in a bundle with Unifi TV, Fibre and Mobile. We expect that the offering will be available in the future. This could allow users to control lights, thermostats, and other compatible devices from the comfort of their couch or remotely using a smartphone.

Managing all internet, mobile, TV, and potentially even smart home features under one platform offers convenience. Customers can eliminate the need to juggle separate bills and providers. Bundling services through UniVerse has the potential to unlock significant savings compared to purchasing each service individually.

The launch of UniVerse signifies a potential shift in how Unifi caters to its customers. This customizable package suite empowers users to build a plan that reflects their needs and offers a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to manage their home’s digital landscape and entertainment options.

Lifestyle, News

Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer Arrives in Malaysia, Promising Intelligent Styling and Reduced Heat Damage

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Dyson has unveiled its latest innovation in hair care technology, the Supersonic Nural hair dryer, in Malaysia. This intelligent tool boasts a suite of new sensor technologies designed to deliver faster drying times, enhanced hair shine, and most importantly, reduced heat damage for healthier hair and scalp.

Dyson Nural Hair Dryer

James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer at Dyson, emphasizes the importance of minimizing heat damage for healthier hair and scalp. The Supersonic Nural addresses this concern with its innovative features like the Scalp Protect Mode. Utilizing a network of Nural sensors, this mode automatically reduces heat as the dryer approaches your head, maintaining a comfortable 55°C temperature suitable for dry, sensitive, and oily scalps alike.

Further ensuring precise heat control in Scalp Protect Mode, the Supersonic Nural employs a time-of-flight sensor. This sensor utilizes an invisible infrared beam to measure the distance between the dryer and your hair.

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Dyson Nural Hair Dryer 5

The Nural sensors offer additional functionalities beyond heat control, enhancing the user experience. The Supersonic Nural™ remembers your preferred heat and airflow settings for each attachment, simplifying your routine. An accelerometer even detects when you put down the dryer, automatically deactivating the heater and reducing airflow for a more seamless experience.

Dyson complements the innovative technology with a sleek design. The Supersonic Nural features a clear end cap showcasing the internal workings and comes in bold colour options like Ceramic Patina and Topaz. The powerful motor ensures fast drying times, with the ability to dry hair six times faster.

Pricing & Availability

The Dyson Supersonic Nural™ hair dryer is available for purchase starting May 27th, 2024, at RM2,399. You can find it at Dyson Demo Stores and on the Dyson website. The dryer comes with five intelligent attachments included, with additional accessories available for separate purchase.

Accessories, Lifestyle, News

Curtains Close on Spotify Car Thing: From Quirky Assistant to Obsolete Hardware

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Spotify’s foray into car integration hardware has come to an abrupt end. The Car Thing, a voice-controlled device designed to enhance your in-car listening experience, will cease operation entirely by December 9th, 2024.

Spotify Car Thing
Source: Spotify

Launched in early 2022, the Car Thing received mixed reviews. While some users appreciated its physical buttons and voice controls for Spotify playback, others found its design bulky and its functionality limited compared to existing smartphone integration options.

The official announcement from Spotify cites a shift in gears, focusing on “new, innovative ways to enhance your drives in the future.” This doesn’t offer much solace to users who invested in the Car Thing, which will essentially become a useless brick after December.

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Source: Spotify

Adding insult to injury, Spotify advises users to factory reset their Car Thing devices and dispose of them responsibly. No refunds are being offered.

This decision has sparked frustration among Car Thing owners, who feel left in the lurch with a now-obsolete device. Social media is abuzz with complaints about the lack of transparency and the sudden end-of-life announcement.

While the Spotify Car Thing’s journey has been short-lived, it serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of in-car technology. With major car manufacturers integrating advanced infotainment systems and seamless smartphone connectivity, standalone hardware solutions may struggle to find a niche in the future.

Lifestyle

LG ARTCOOL Air Conditioner Makes Fashionable Debut in Malaysia

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LG Electronics Malaysia has unveiled the LG ARTCOOL, a new air conditioner that promises to elevate home comfort in Malaysia. Building upon the legacy of the Artcool series, the LG ARTCOOL goes beyond basic cooling functionality, offering a compelling combination of advanced features, a sleek design aesthetic, and user-friendly smart capabilities.

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Aesthetics that Complement Your Space

LG Malaysia emphasizes the LG ARTCOOL’s commitment to both technological innovation and visual appeal. The air conditioner boasts powerful cooling capabilities housed within a minimalist design. This ensures optimal comfort in your home without sacrificing aesthetics.

The unit comes in two finish options: a polished mirror finish that exudes modern elegance and a green option that provides a touch of nature-inspired style. This allows for seamless integration into a variety of design schemes, whether you prefer a contemporary or a more natural ambience in your living space.

Focus on Clean Air and Energy Efficiency

Beyond aesthetics, the LG ARTCOOL prioritizes creating a healthy and comfortable environment for users. The air conditioner is equipped with Plasmaster™ Ionizer++ technology. This innovative feature claims to effectively filter dust particles and eliminate 99.9% of bacteria, promoting cleaner and healthier air quality within your home. This is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers or those who prioritize a clean and breathable atmosphere.

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Furthermore, the LG ARTCOOL prioritizes energy efficiency. The Dual Inverter Compressor is claimed to deliver exceptional energy efficiency. This translates to potentially reduced electricity consumption without compromising on cooling power. This focus on energy efficiency can lead to cost savings on electricity bills in the long run and also aligns with growing concerns about environmental sustainability.

The LG ARTCOOL integrates with the LG ThinQ app. This allows users to remotely monitor and adjust air conditioning settings. Imagine the ease of pre-cooling your home before you arrive or adjusting the temperature while relaxing on the couch. The LG ThinQ app adds a layer of convenience and flexibility to your daily routine, allowing you to manage your home comfort from anywhere.

Pricing & Availability

The LG ARTCOOL is currently available nationwide. There will be four variants ranging from 1HP to 2.5HP. The two colourways mentioned earlier, polished mirror and green, will be available for all capacity options. The prices are as below:

PowerPricing (RM)
1.0 HPRM 2,649
1.5 HPRM 3,249
2.0 HPRM 5,199
2.5 HPRM 5,899

Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

Sonos Quietly Releases the Roam 2 with Bluetooth Connectivity and All the Highlights of the Original

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Hot on the heels of the Sonos Ace, their budget-friendly portable speaker, Sonos has stealthily released the Roam 2. This new iteration of the popular Roam portable speaker seems to address a key user pain point: Bluetooth pairing.

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The original Sonos Roam required a confusing two-step process – connecting to Wi-Fi first before enabling Bluetooth functionality. This frustrated users accustomed to the simplicity of Bluetooth pairing on most portable speakers. The Roam 2 rectifies this issue, allowing for a seamless Bluetooth connection right out of the box. This makes the Roam 2 a more user-friendly option for those who want to enjoy high-quality audio on the go, without the need for a Wi-Fi connection.

According to the official Sonos website, the Roam 2 retains the core strengths of its predecessor. Users can expect the same durable, IP67 water-resistant design, impressive sound quality for its size, and compatibility with the Sonos ecosystem for multi-room audio experiences. It also boasts Automatic Trueplay tuning, which according to Sonos, automatically adjusts the speaker’s sound to optimize the listening experience in any environment. It will also have 10 hours of playback on a single charge. However, details on how Bluetooth connectivity will impact the battery life of the Sonos Roam 2 are still unknown.

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Pricing and Availability

The Sonos Roam 2 is currently available in the official Sonos store. It is retailing for the same price point as the original Roam – €199. It will be available in Black, White, Red, Blue and Green colourways.

No information is available yet from TC Acoustic on regional availability in Singapore and Malaysia. However, with the price point remaining the same worldwide, we expect that the same will be true when it launches here.

Accessories, Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

The Sonos Ace Brings The Best from Sonos in a Portable, Personalized Package

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Sonos is taking its offerings to the next level. Having already had decades of experience in the home theatre and home audio arena, the company is taking its know-how and making it more personal. The Sonos Ace is the first over-ear headphone set from Sonos and it’s ready to take on the big guns.

Sonos Ace 1

Intentionally Designed For Comfort & Simplicity

The Sonos Ace continues the company’s ethos of having aesthetically pleasing, minimalist design. The new headphones bring together premium design and materials with premium audio quality. It has a slim profile accented by the signature Sonos matte finish. Its main body and headband are made of high-quality, durable plastic. The adjustable arms are lightweight metal with a Chrome finish for that touch of elegance. More importantly, the Sonos Ace is made for comfort. It’s lightweight and feels nearly weightless when worn. The ear cups are made of memory foam wrapped in vegan leather that conforms to the contours of your head.

Sonos Ace 2

The design of the Sonos Ace is intentional. The subtle cues like the Sonos logo being only on the right earpiece are intentionally placed to make it so wearing them is effortless. Similarly, the insides of the earcups are coloured differently to signal their orientation subtly.

Interacting with the Sonos Ace is simple and intuitive. For the most part, you’ll be interacting solely with a single, tactile button. This metallic button is located on the right earcup. Pushing it down turn the headphones on, pushing it up or down adjusts the volume and double-pushing pauses and plays your media. There is another button that blends seamlessly into the Sonos Ace’s design. This button is used to control the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature on the Ace. It will also allow you to connect to your Sonos Arc for a personalised theatre experience.

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Custom-made for that Signature Sonos Audio

The Ace’s sleek design and slim silhouette are just the tip of the iceberg. Sonos has custom-designed the drivers in the Sonos Ace. These drivers are designed to deliver high-fidelity audio to your earholes. It’s calibrated to deliver live-like audio quality delivering the full range of sounds from the rumbling lows to reverberating highs. Sonos hasn’t shared any information about the technical setup of the headphones.

The Sonos Ace also plays well with your preexisting Sonos setup. The ANC button mentioned earlier allows you to connect to the Sonos Arc with a simple holding of the ANC button down. This feature allows you to have the full theatrical experience of your movie even when the kids are sleeping. This feature also brings next-level immersion with head tracking.

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The Ace also comes with Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to tune out the world as you immerse yourself in your favourite albums. It also comes with a pass-through mode (Aware Mode) that allows you to interact with the world around you (should you want to). It comes with 30 hours of use on a single charge. A quick 3-minute charge will get you an additional 3 hours. It also comes with a USB-C cable in the box.

Pricing & Availability

The Sonos Ace will be available in Black and White. It will retail for RM2,299 in Malaysia and USD$449 worldwide.

The Sonos Ace is available for pre-order starting today, 21 May 2024 from the Sonos Concept Store or online via TC Acoustic website in Malaysia and Singapore.