Category Archives: Lifestyle

Enjoy Credit Rebates at LG Malaysia’s Year-End Sale-Brations

LG Trio Bonanza

As we wind down 2023, LG is throwing a grand finale promo with their Trio Bonanza Sale-Brations. Running nationwide until 31 December 2023, the Trio Bonanza Sale-Brations is offering rebate deals on selected LG products. Depending on what you buy, you can qualify for Touch ‘n Go e-wallet or S Pay Global credits rebates going as high as RM2,000.

You can get rebate offers across a huge range of LG’s line including their OLED TVs, sound bars, fridges, water purifiers, and more. If you get two or more selected LG products with a minimum value of RM4,000 in a single receipt, you can also enjoy an additional rebate of up to RM400.

Check out the full list of products on promotion along with details on how to redeem your rebates here.

GX Bank Beta App Now Available to Select Malaysians

GX Bank Berhad (GX Bank) is pushing boundaries as Malaysia’s first digital bank to go to market. The digital bank received approval to operate from Bank Negara Malaysia ahead of the April 2024 deadline. The bank focuses on serving the underserved through innovative channels, including a dedicated app and 24/7 customer support.

GXBank App key visual

After its initial announcement back in September, GX Bank is already rolling out its official app in beta. The beta app is set to roll out to 20,000 Malaysians on November 14, 2023, following successful internal testing. GX Bank’s app is developed to be user-centric. The app comes with a user-friendly interface prioritizing trust and security. Chief Technology Officer Fadrizul Hasani emphasizes compliance with regulatory norms, ensuring user data and funds’ safety.

During beta-testing, users can create a GX Bank Savings Account and set up to 10 “Pockets” for specific savings goals. Money placed in these pockets will earn daily interest of up to 3%. Being the first digital bank to go to market, it may be daunting to be an early adopter. That said, deposits of up to RM250,000 in GX Bank are protected by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PDIM). In addition, users are able to lock their accounts in case of fraud and limit daily spending. GX Bank is also offering exciting benefits including RM20 cashback with a minimum of RM100 deposit, withdrawal fee waivers, and unlimited cashback with the upcoming debit card feature.

Simple Onboarding Process

GX Bank promises a seamless onboarding experience. With a few taps, users can download the app, complete the eKYC process, upload their MyKad, and deposit a minimum of RM10 to start saving.

Picture2

To set up your account, all you need to do is:

  1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store 
  2. Upload a digital copy of the national identity card (MyKad)
  3. Complete the eKYC process as stated in the app 
  4. Add a minimum of RM10  into the savings account and set up Pockets (if you want to)

Existing Grab users can access the GX Bank app through the Grab App.

Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones Launched in Malaysia for RM999

Sennheiser‘s ACCENTUM Wireless headphones are now available in Malaysia. The feature-rich headphones mark a new dawn for Sennheiser in Malaysia after the acquisition of Sennheiser’s commercial business by Sonova. The headphones are also the trailblazing product for a new partnership between Sonova and StreamCast Asia as the exclusive distributor of Sennheiser consumer audio products in Malaysia.

The ACCENTUM Wireless headphones are not just another pair of headphones; they promise to be the ultimate “Soundtrack to Your Life.” These headphones combine the legendary Sennheiser acoustics with the tranquillity of Hybrid Active noise-cancelling technology. Engineered with the discerning audiophile in mind, the ACCENTUM Wireless headphones feature 37mm dynamic transducers, meticulously tuned to provide exhilarating sound experiences. They deliver exceptional bass performance and striking clarity. The acoustics have been refined to offer broad-spectrum ANC performance, effectively reducing external disturbances through a combination of passive isolation and concealed microphones targeting both low and high frequencies.

Senn ACCENTUM Wireless Black CGI Product ISO
Source: Sonnova Consumer Hearing

What truly sets these headphones apart is their remarkable battery life, offering an astounding 50 hours of playback time on a single charge. For those moments when time is of the essence, the “quick charge” feature provides an additional 5 hours of listening with just a 10-minute charge. Additionally, the included USB-C charging cable allows these wireless headphones to be used as wired ones when Bluetooth is not an option. This not only adds to their versatility but also contributes to reducing electronic waste, promoting sustainability.

The ACCENTUM Wireless headphones are not only about audio excellence; they are touted to excel in handling voice calls as well. With two built-in microphones and a dedicated wind-reduction mode, they ensure that voice calls are crisp and clear. Thanks to adjustable side tone and advanced signal processing, conversations remain natural and free from fatigue, effectively minimizing background distractions. The multipoint feature allows seamless switching between active wireless connections, making these headphones an ideal choice for individuals who frequently switch between VoIP calls on their computer and streaming a podcast on their mobile devices during meetings.

In terms of design and comfort, the ACCENTUM headphones have been thoughtfully designed to ensure extended wearing comfort. The earcup and headband padding contact points gently conform to the wearer’s shape, providing a secure and natural fit. This design reflects the compact fold-flat design of the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, showcasing a cohesive and sophisticated look that places equal emphasis on sound and ergonomics.

Senn ACCENTUM Wireless Black KV Hero Landscape
Source: Sonnova Consumer Hearing

Staying in control of the ACCENTUM’s features is made intuitive with the simplified 4-button layout and the optional companion smartphone app. From managing Bluetooth connections and features to experimenting with the 5-band EQ, the Smart Control App enhances the headphone experience with a user-friendly interface that fits in your pocket. The Smart Control App can also store user presets and deliver updates, ensuring that the ACCENTUM headphones continue to operate smoothly as the devices they connect to evolve.

Pricing & Availability

The ACCENTUM Wireless headphones are available in two elegant colour options: black and white with sandstone accents. Both colours will be available for purchase from November onwards, and you can find them at the official Sennheiser website and all authorized Sennheiser resellers at an attractive price of RM999.

Touch ‘n Go eWallet Rewards Users with GOrewards

As Malaysia’s eWallet and digital payments landscape continues to become more competitive, eWallets like Touch ‘n Go Digital’s offering need to stand out from the noise. Touch ‘n Go eWallet is introducing GOrewards – and we don’t mean the Goal Hunter feature you’ve been interacting with and collecting – it’s a totally new feature that is going to quickly become your favourite.

WhatsApp Image 2023 11 08 at 2.33.46 PM

GOrewards is Touch ‘n Go’s take on the rewards points collection programme. The new feature, which is now available on the app, will allow users to earn points as they spend with the Touch ‘n Go eWallet. I know what you’re thinking… “It’s just another points collection and redemption programme”… but that may not be the case with Touch ‘n Go’s extensive partnership with brands, service providers and retailers. In fact, GOrewards is launching with a select few partners with more due to join the program soon.

WhatsApp Image 2023 11 08 at 2.20.21 PM 1
Chiew Wei Wing, Chief Product Officer for GOrewards at TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, briefing the media about GOrewards at the launch

At launch, Touch ‘n Go eWallet is bringing onboard partners like Tealive, ZUS Coffee, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Baskbear, 7-eleven, BHP, CTOS, Taco Bell, Watsons, AIA and CelcomDigi. These partners will be offering reward point bonuses for GOrewards for users who transact with the eWallet. These reward points are not limited to payment transactions on the app, users will also benefit from transacting and purchasing offers in the app. Oh… Did I mention that you’ll also be collecting points when you transact with Touch ‘n Go eWallet overseas via Alipay+ and also your Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Card?

PartnerBonus
7-Eleven2x
AIA10x based on purchase value for Insure360
Baskbear5x
BHP2x
CelcomDigi10x based on the purchase value for Insure360
CTOS2x for purchases on TNG eWallet app only
Kenny Rogers Roasters6x
Taco Bell2x
Tealive5x
Watsons2x
ZUS Coffee6x in November 2023; 3x after

The launch of GOrewards comes on the heels of a slew of announcements from TNG Digital including the recent launch of ASNB investments on the app and ParkInsure. However, it’s probably more notable that the announcement of GOrewards comes on the heels of consumers lamenting the shrinkage of other reward points programs from competing eWallets.


Screenshot 2023 11 08 at 14 14 18 Chief Executive Officer
Source: Touch ‘N Go Digital

“As most industry players are scaling back their program, TNG Digital through Touch ‘n Go Wallet is introducing our first comprehensive loyalty program, GOrewards. With this, we want to not only be the safest and most convenient eWallet, but the most rewarding as well.”

Alan Ni, Chief Executive Officer at TNG Digital Sdn Bhd


Users who activate their GOrewards in the Touch ‘n Go eWallet will earn 1 point for every RM1 spent on or through the app and Visa debit card. These points will be valid for 6 months after earning and can be redeemed for a myriad of things including vouchers and even physical items from partners like PrestoMall. All you have to do to activate your GOrewards, you simply have to tap on the GOrewards tile on the homepage of the eWallet app.

RapidKL’s My50 & MyCity Passes Now Available for Purchase Online!

RapidKL is finally launching and selling its My50 and MyCity passes making it easier for users to purchase the pass instantly without going through the hassle. The passes can be purchased through The MyRapid Pulse app, which is available on the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, and the Huawei AppGallery. It is also available for purchase through the online MyRapid Shop. With this system in place, it allows commuters to buy these passes online instead of at customer service counters in RapidKL train stations and bus hubs.

Key Visual RapidKL My50 & MyCity Pass online purchase
Source: RapidKL/Prasarana

However, like many of its other “advancements”, the transition to an online system seems like two steps forward and a step back. As mentioned in its own FAQs, while the passes are being sold online, they will not be able to be activated on the MyKad or Touch ‘n Go card after the purchase. Instead, users must activate the pass at customer service counters at public transport stations like KL Sentral.

There is, however, a good reason why users must activate it at customer service counters. As of current My50 and MyCity passes are only available to Malaysians. That said, it doesn’t look like RapidKL has implemented a KYC (Know Your Client) protocol in place. Hence, proving nationality through the Pulse app or MyRapid Shop will be difficult. According to them, this is also due to the Touch n’ Go system that needs the passes to be physically activated.

That said, the new implementation is a step forward. However, it would be a big benefit to users if these passes are available via platforms like ewallets, Samsung Wallet, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Users will then be able to simply tap in or out with their cellphones. It is worth noting though, that, recently, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that RapidKL’s parent firm, Prasarana, is working on an open payment system for 2024. We’ll have to wait and see if the process changes when that is launched.

The Amazfit Active Lands in Malaysia with a RM599 Price Tag

Hot off its international announcement, the Amazfit Active is making its way to Malaysia! But the smartwatch isn’t coming with its sibling the Amazfit Active Edge. Instead, the smartwatch is making a solo debut with the Edge hopefully coming soon.

The Smartwatch caters to the 21st-century woman who wants to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The Amazfit Active is a versatile companion, whether you’re at work, hitting the gym, or enjoying some leisure time.

Amazfit Active 2
Source: Amazfit

What sets the Amazfit Active apart is its ability to blend the best features of the Amazfit GTS and Mini series into one stunning package. Users will undoubtedly appreciate the fusion of the high-end aesthetics from the Amazfit GTS with the ultra-lightweight and cost-effective design found in the Mini series. The result is a best-of-all-worlds smartwatch that’s not only fashionable but also dedicated to enhancing your overall wellness.

Key features of the Amazfit Active include its ultra-lightweight aluminium alloy and plastic design, a vibrant 1.75-inch HD AMOLED display, convenient Bluetooth calling, and music playback. For fitness enthusiasts and adventurers, it comes with Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (Multi-GNSS) support, offering precise route navigation for activities like jogging, hiking, or any outdoor adventure. The smartwatch also features AI-powered Training Guidance by Zepp Coach, which leverages data such as 24-hour heart rate, SpO2 levels, and stress monitoring to create personalized exercise plans. One of the standout features of the Amazfit Active is its impressive battery life, offering up to 14 days of typical use on a single charge.

Amazfit Active 3
Source: Amazfit

In addition to its impressive array of features, the smartwatch also boasts over 100 customizable watch faces, 5ATM water resistance, music storage, PAI Health Assessment System, downloadable apps and games, and compatibility with the Zepp App, among others. This smartwatch is designed to bring organization to the chaos of modern life, helping you stay active and healthy.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Amazfit Active offers a remarkable 130+ sports modes, with the introduction of the Track Running feature that helps you maintain your pace and splits during your runs. With Zepp Coach, you’ll have a dedicated workout monitoring and analysis tool on your wrist, providing voice prompts during workouts and utilizing data to optimize future exercises for improved fitness.

Pricing & Availability

The Amazfit Active is available in two stylish colour options, Midnight Black and Petal Pink, priced at RM599.00.

Starting from November 3, 2023, the Amazfit Active is available for purchase on popular e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and the TikTok Shop. Early adopters can also score a free Cross-body bag and a Celebrity Fitness 7-day Trial Pass, but act fast as these bonuses are available while stocks last.

Netflix’s Geeked Week is Coming Back for the Third Year in a Row! Here’s What You Can Expect

Geeks unite! All your geeky content from Netflix is taking centre stage! Coming up in November, Netflix is about to set the stage afire with a bevvy of announcements relating to some of its most popular content like One Piece, The Umbrella Academy, Stranger Things and more!

Geeked Week 2023 | Official Trailer | Netflix

Starting on 7th November, the online streaming giant will be making a bevvy of announcements across all their platforms. November 7, 2023 (Malaysian Time) is Stranger Things Day! Throughout the day, Netflix will be dropping nibbles of information and updates from the Upside Down. These updates won’t be coming your way from a live stream though, they’ll be coming in the form of posts across X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch and TikTok.

The following two days will see the same format of announcements. On 10, 11 and 12 November 2023, at 5 AM Malaysian Time, Netflix will be airing exclusive clips, teasers, breaking news and more from shows like The Umbrella Academy, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Yu Yu Hakusho, Leave the World Behind, One Piece, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and The Dragon Prince on the official Geeked Week website. Rounding things up on November 13, 2023, at 8:30 AM is a special session with Zack Snyder about his upcoming epic Rebel Moon. This special will air on the official Geeked Week Website as well.

Netflix Geeked Week Poster

Of course, this announcement is just the tip of the iceberg. Netflix has already given us a sneak peek into the upcoming live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender on Instagram. In their post, they gave us a glimpse at the actors behind the Fire Nation including Uncle Airoh and Zuko, Aang, Katara and Sokka.

Avatar The Last Airbender Live Action Fire Nation

The Amazfit Active Series Unleashed for the Outdoorsmen

Amazfit is at it again! The fitness centered brand has expanded its offerings with two more smartwatches that are designed to give you all the benefits of a smartwatch without breaking the bank: the Amazfit Active and Amazfit Active Edge.

Amazfit Active Series

Amazfit Active: Steely Elegance Made Affordable

The Amazfit Active comes with a stylish design with options for aluminum alloy or stainless steel casings. The smartwatch has a 1.75-inch AMOLED display with a crisp 390 x 450 pixel resolution, ensuring vibrant visuals. You can even personalise your Amazfit Active with its silicone and vegan leather straps.

Screenshot 2023 10 30 at 17 37 09 Amazfit Active

The hallmark feature of the Amazfit Active is its built-in GNSS receiver, supporting GPS, QZSS, BEIDOU, GALILEO, and GLONASS for accurate navigation. In addition, it comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 BLE, supporting Bluetooth calling from your paired smartphone. It also offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa and an offline voice assistant that runs directly on the watch.

Like other Amazfit devices, the Active runs Zepp OS. The OS supports third-party apps and mini-games, which you can easily download through the Zepp App on your smartphone. The watch also comes with up to 250MB of internal storage that will allow you to store music directly on the device.

Screenshot 2023 10 30 at 17 36 39 Amazfit Active

Health tracking is comprehensive, thanks to the BioTracker PPG biometric sensor. It monitors heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep patterns, and stress levels. Users also gain access to Zepp Coach. This offers personalized exercise plans, workouts, and recovery schedules.

The Amazfit Active comes with a small but mighty 300 mAh battery. Amazfit touts that it will have up to 14 days of usage in normal conditions and up to 16 hours with continuous GPS usage. The watch is also rated at 5 ATM for water resistance.

Amazfit Active Edge: Built for the Rugged Adventurer

Active Edge is a more rugged take on the smartwatch. It comes with a reinforced polycarbonate shell, offering a robust 10 ATM water resistance rating. It features a 1.32-inch TFT LCD display with 360×360 pixel resolution and four physical buttons for easier control, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.

Screenshot 2023 10 30 at 17 37 47 Amazfit Active Edge

With support for over 130 sports and automatic workout recognition, the Active Edge is built for an active lifestyle. The watch supports Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, ensuring smooth connectivity. It also shares the same BioTracker PPG optical sensor and GNSS receiver as Amazfit Active.

That said, it packs a larger 370 mAh battery, providing extended endurance. With up to 16 days of use under normal conditions and up to 20 hours with GPS enabled, it’s ready for your adventures.

Screenshot 2023 10 30 at 17 38 31 Amazfit Active Edge

Pricing & Availability

The Amazfit Active is available in Midnight Black, Petal Pink, and Lavender Purple. It will be at $149.99 (RM714.55). It is currently available from Amazfit US and is set to expand to more regions soon.

The Amazfit Active Edge is also priced at USD$149.99 (RM714.55). You’ll be able to choose from from the Lava Black, Midnight Pulse, and Mint Green colors to match your style.

There’s no word yet on Malaysian availability. Do stay tuned for updates.

Apple Subscriptions Get a Price Hike

Apple users, get ready for a minor change in your monthly fees. As a result of Apple’s recent price review, the company has raised the prices of Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, Apple News Plus, and the Apple One packages. This change is in keeping with the industry-wide pattern of rising subscription costs.

pexels-photo-1038628.jpeg
Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com

For international Apple users, prices are increased between USD$2 and USD$3. Moving forward, the prices will be:

SubscriptionOriginal Price (USD)New Price (USD)Increase (USD)
Apple TV+USD$6.99USD$9.99USD$3.00
Apple ArcadeUSD$4.99USD$6.99USD$2.00
Apple News+USD$9.99USD$12.99USD$3.00

This price hike also affects the Apple One packages, which bundles several of Apple’s services. Apple One has three tiers which all have been subjected to price raises as well.

SubscriptionBundled ServicesOriginal Price (USD)New Price (USD)Increase (USD)
IndividualiCloud+ (50GB)
Apple TV+
Apple Music
Apple Arcade
USD$16.95USD$19.95USD$3.00
Family
(5-users)
iCloud+ (200GB)
Apple TV+
Apple Music
Apple Arcade
USD$22.95USD$25.95USD$3.00
PremiumiCloud+ (2TB)
Apple TV+
Apple Music
Apple Arcade
Apple Fitness+
Apple News+
USD$32.95USD$37.95USD$5.00

However, even with all the current price hikes, it is of note that other Apple services like Apple Music, Fitness+, and iCloud+ memberships are unchanged as of now.

The recent price hikes also affect Malaysian Apple users particularly those who use the Apple One subscriptions.  Apple One members in Malaysia will see a small rise in the monthly fee for the service.

SubscriptionBundled ServicesOriginal Price (MYR)New Price (MYR)Increase (MYR)
IndividualiCloud+ (50GB)
Apple TV+
Apple Music
Apple Arcade
MYR29.90MYR34.90MYR5.00
Family
(5-users)
iCloud+ (200GB)
Apple TV+
Apple Music
Apple Arcade
MYR39.90MYR44.90MYR5.00
PremiumiCloud+ (2TB)
Apple TV+
Apple Music
Apple Arcade
Apple Fitness+
Apple News+
MYR78.90MYR84.90MYR6.00

Other well-known subscriptions like Netflix have also seen a price hike which is becoming a recent trend among other subscriptions too.  These price hikes are unfortunately necessary to cover the ever-increasing price of delivering excellent content and services to users.

DJI Unveils the Osmo Pocket 3

DJI has unveiled the Osmo Pocket 3, a compact gimbal camera that packs a punch. This versatile camera offers a 1-inch CMOS sensor, a rotating 2-inch touchscreen, and seamless shifts between horizontal and vertical shooting.

Visual Prowess in a Compact Package

Osmo Pocket 3

The Osmo Pocket 3 is remarkably small but comes with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, that brings better image quality, even in challenging light conditions. It can shoot in 4K at 120 frames per second (fps). Even in low light, it enhances night shots, capturing authentic colours and sharp details. The camera also adapts exposure for different skin tones, ensuring everyone looks their best.

For those seeking professional-level results, it offers 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG colour modes. These modes unlock a world of colour possibilities, recording up to one billion colours in 10-bit D-Log M. The 10-bit HLG HDR recording brings more vivid visuals, especially when viewed on HDR-enabled devices.

Smart Features for Effortless Creativity

The Osmo Pocket 3 packs an array of intelligent features. Its 2-inch touchscreen provides intuitive control. It features fast focusing, ensuring sharp images even with fast-moving subjects. The Product Showcase mode is ideal for live streaming and product presentations. Its three-axis mechanical stabilization guarantees steady images during dynamic shooting.

The compact camera offers cinematic-level footage with ActiveTrack 6.0. It includes features like Face Auto-Detect and Dynamic Framing for tracking subjects. The built-in three-mic array reduces wind noise and captures immersive omnidirectional stereo sound. DJI Mic 2 compatibility supports dual-person recording for vlogs and interviews.

This compact camera boasts a 6000mAh battery, offering up to 116 minutes of 4K/60fps footage or 166 minutes of 1080p/24fps recording. Quick charging gets you to 80% in just 16 minutes.

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The Osmo Pocket 3 is a versatile creative tool. It serves as a high-definition live streaming device, a webcam for online meetings, and a timecode function that syncs footage seamlessly between different cameras.

Streamline Editing with LightCut

The LightCut app simplifies content creation. It uses AI recognition to highlight moments from your footage and generate shareable 4K videos. It offers diverse video templates for various themes like vlogs, travel, parties, and more. It also eliminates the need to download footage during editing, preserving smartphone storage.

Pricing & Availability

The Osmo Pocket 3 is available to order from DJI Experience Stores, Shopee and Lazada with shipping starting on 25th October 2023. It will be available in two packages the standard package which will include the standard accessories and the Osmo Pocket 3 and a creator’s combo which will include DJI Mic 2 Transmitter (Shadow Black), DJI Mic 2 Windscreen, DJI Mic 2 Clip Magnet, Osmo Pocket 3 Battery Handle, Osmo Mini Tripod and an Osmo Pocket 3 Carrying Bag.

The Osmo Pocket 3 will be retailing at MYR2,299 in Malaysia or USD$519 internationally. The Creator’s combo will be retailing for MYR2,959 in Malaysia or USD$669 internationally.