Category Archives: Mobile

New Features Coming to WhatsApp Soon Including an iPad App & Self-Destructing Voice Notes

WhatsApp is continually evolving with many new features being added to the popular messaging app. Last year, the team behind WhatsApp introduced features that let users migrate their data between Android and iOS. Just recently, users were able to use the same account on more than one device. Now, WhatsApp is adding a feature that a lot of people have asked for the ability to use more than one account on the same device and a new iPad version of the app.

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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently teased that soon, users will be able to use more than one WhatsApp account on the same Android phone. This function has been in the works and has been in testing since August 2023. This is good news for people who have more than one number and use WhatsApp. The feature will soon be available on Android devices but it’s uncertain if it will be making its way to iOS.

In addition to that update, WhatsApp is adding a few more usability tweaks. The first is a new menu that allows users to switch between voice and video messages. The added step is meant to prevent users from switching between modes by mistake. In WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.22.5, you can get this new tool. Currently, this function is only available for Beta users but will be rolled out soon publicly.

whatsapp self destructing audio messages

WhatsApp is also introducing a feature that will allow users to send voice messages that self-destruct. Just like the “View Once” tool for pictures and videos, this function lets audio messages delete themselves after the recipient opens them. With this feature, users will not be able to record or download the audio notes that disappear after a certain amount of time. Like the previous update, the function is only available on the Beta version of testing at the moment.

It looks like WhatsApp is finally coming to the iPad. The iPad app was initially teased by Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp at Meta, last year. It looks like it’s coming really soon. The app is optimized for iPad devices and looks nearly identical to the desktop version. As of now it’s only in the beta stage of testing and many features are not fully functional. There is also no sign or indication of when it will be released to general users.

WA AVATAR CALLING FEATURE PRESENTATION ANDROID

Besides that, WhatsApp may also be bringing its take on memojis soon. In the WhatsApp beta for Android (V2.23.19.14), users are able to create and use their personalized avatars in video calls making it more fun and interactive for users. Finally, in the latest update for WhatsApp beta for Android,  V2.23.19.16, group calls have been expanded to allow up to 31 participants at a time.

While these features are compelling, it’s worth noting that all of them remain in Beta with no clear timeline for when they will make it to the app itself. Do stay tuned as we keep a lookout for the features to hit the official release.

OPPO’s A79 Debuts with MediaTek Dimensity 6020 & 50-Megapixel Camera

The Oppo A79 is the latest mid-range smartphone from the brand and brings along decent specs at a modest price.

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This smartphone is no slouch when it comes to performance. It’s powered by the Dimensity 6020 SoC, ensuring smooth and responsive operation. With 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, you’ll have ample space for your apps and data. Need more storage? The A79 allows expansion up to a whopping 1TB via a microSD card.

The Oppo A79 boasts a 6.72″ 90Hz FullHD+ LCD display with Panda Glass protection. It’s not just big; it’s bright, with 680 nits peak brightness. With a pixel density of 391 ppi, this screen offers remarkable clarity. Oppo proudly markets it as a “Sunlight Display,” promising that you can enjoy every detail even in the brightest sunshine. Plus, it’s Widevine L1 certified, ensuring you can stream 1080p content on platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix.

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Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the A79’s camera setup. It features a 50MP primary camera, utilizing the Samsung ISOCELL JN1 50MP sensor. In addition to that, there’s a 2MP depth sensor for those striking bokeh shots and an 8MP selfie camera for your self-portraits. With this phone, your photography needs are well covered.

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The A79 is equipped with a robust 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring you can go about your day without worrying about recharging constantly. And when it’s time to recharge, the 33W wired charging support will have you powered up in no time.

It has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick and secure access. With 5G connectivity, you’re future-proofed for faster data speeds. Plus, an IP54 rating offers protection against dust and water. The inclusion of USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack means you have all the connectivity options you need.

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But that’s not all. The Oppo A79 also comes with dual stereo speakers for immersive audio. And for those moments when you need extra volume, the Ultra Volume Mode goes beyond the 100% volume level, reaching up to 300% for speakers and 200% for earpiece calls.

Pricing & Availability

The Oppo A79 is priced at INR19,999 ($240/€225), which is equivalent to about RM1,142. It is now available for purchase in India through various channels, including Oppo’s official Indian website, Flipkart, and Amazon India.

You can choose from two striking colours: Mystery Black and Glowing Green. The Glowing Green variant boasts what Oppo calls a “Glowing Feather Design,” adding a touch of elegance to your device.

While the exact availability in other regions, including Malaysia, is yet to be confirmed, it has been listed on the SIRIM database, suggesting it may arrive in Malaysia very soon.

Samsung Galaxy A05 & Galaxy A05s Make Malaysian Debut

Samsung Electronics has introduced the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy A05s smartphones. New entries into the company’s lower-end offerings which are built to last with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, and enhanced 25W Super-Fast charging capabilities. In addition, Samsung is also committing to two generations of OS upgrades and four years of security updates for these devices.

Both the Galaxy A05 and Galaxy A05s have an enhanced 6.7-inch display. However, the Galaxy A05s has a higher FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a faster 90Hz refresh rate for smoother transitions. The Galaxy A05 has a lower HD+ resolution (720 x 1520 pixels) and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

When it comes to cameras, both smartphones have an upgraded 50MP high-resolution main camera, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The Galaxy A05s also has an upgraded 13MP front-facing selfie camera, while the Galaxy A05 has an 8MP front-facing selfie camera.

Both the Galaxy A05 and the Galaxy A05s come with a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and enhanced 25W Super-Fast charging capabilities. This means that you can quickly charge your phone and get back to using it in no time.

Both the new entries also come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with expandable storage of up to 1TB. This gives you plenty of space for all your photos, videos, and apps. However, they come with two different processors. The Galaxy A05s comes with a Snapdragon 680 processor while the Galaxy A05 comes with a MediaTek Helio G85. Both are capable of 4G LTE connectivity.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy A05s is available in Awesome Black, Awesome Silver, and Awesome Light Green, and is priced starting at RM799. The Galaxy A05 is available in Awesome Black and Awesome Blue and is priced starting at RM649.

A05 Launch KV

Both smartphones are available now at selected retailers. If you make your purchase between now and the end of the year, you can get an RM100 Trade-up offer for your old device.

Motorola’s Really Flexing with Its Concept Device

Motorola is definitely not a stranger to the smartphone world. In fact, at one point, the company was known for its innovations in the smartphone industry. Now, as a subsidiary of Lenovo, Motorola is flexing its chops again with an exciting and unique bendable phone concept at Lenovo Tech World. This groundbreaking device showcases a 6.9-inch flexible pOLED screen that can transform into various forms, promising a new era in smartphone technology.

This concept device boasts an adaptive display concept that redefines how we could use our smartphones. The 6.9-inch flexible pOLED screen is the star of the show. The FHD+ display is able to bend and flex into multiple configurations to suit your needs. When flat, it offers a full Android experience, exactly like what we’re used to in a standard smartphone. A little bending later, the phone is able to stand upright and is a standee or standing phone with a 4.6-inch display.

However, what truly sets this concept apart is its ability to be wrapped around your wrist, transforming into an oversized smartwatch. It’s reminiscent of those bendy slap-on watches that were all the rage back in the 90s. While the practicality and safety of this wrist-worn mode are yet to be proven, future possibilities are intriguing, to say the least.

Although the concept is intriguing, Motorola has been tight-lipped about specific details. Important information such as the device’s processor, battery capacity, and other key specifications are still shrouded in secrecy. While the device is not a market-ready product yet, it serves as an innovative glimpse into what the future of smartphones could hold.

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.

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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.

Xiaomi 14 Announced; Runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 & Hyper OS

Xiaomi has just unleashed its latest flagship smartphone series known as the Xiaomi 14 series. Xiaomi’s latest devices have a new OS – Hyper OS – and is the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU.

Xiaomi 14 14 Pro

The Xiaomi 14 Pro is equipped with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display. This screen is brighter than our future with an obscene 3,000nits brightness. It also comes with a 1440 x 3200 pixels resolution that gives it a pixel density of 522ppi and a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone itself comes with a durable Ceramic Glass finish. It also comes with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility. The Xiaomi 14 Pro also has Dolby Atmos stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 series comes with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It’s the first smartphone to have it hot off its announcement at the recent Snapdragon Summit. The processor is complemented with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

The series also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. It has a whopping 4,800mAh battery capable of fast charging of 120W. It also supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. Did we forget? It’s also got IP68 water- and dust resistance.  

Xiaomi 14 14 Pro 2

Xiaomi 14 Pro’s camera setup boasts one of the first to sport a breakthrough 50-megapixel “Light Hunter 900” primary sensor. The sensor is equipped with OIS and features a variable aperture and a Leica Summilux lens. The setup also includes a floating 40-megapixel telephoto lens with OIS and 3.2x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. The front camera is a 32-megapixel sensor. Video lovers will adore the variable aperture’s f/1.42 to f/4 range and 8K resolution at 24fps.

The vanilla version of the Xiaomi 14 has a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits’ peak brightness as well as density pixels of 460ppi. The image resolution is 1200 x 2670 pixels. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers remain. This one is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance like the Pro and sports an under-display fingerprint scanner. It has a 4,610mAh battery that supports 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.

The Xiaomi 14’s main camera is equipped with a 50-megapixel Light Hunter 900 sensor, a 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor, and a 50MP telephoto sensor with 3.2X optical zoom making. Its 32MP selfie camera supports 8K 24p video however unlike the Pro it does not come with variable aperture.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi 14 series is currently priced only for the China region with 14 Pro costing:

Variant Price (CNY)Converted Pricing (MYR)
12GB RAM + 256 GB storageCNY4,999MYR3,266.38
16GB RAM + 512 GB storageCNY5,499MYR3,590.88
16GB RAM + 1TB storage CNY5,999MYR3,917.38

While the Vanilla version costs:

Variant Price (CNY)Converted Pricing (MYR)
8GB RAM + 256GB storageCNY3,999MYR2,611.27
12GB RAM + 256 GB storageCNY4,299MYR2,807.16
16GB RAM + 512 GB storageCNY4,599MYR3,002.83
16GB RAM + 1TB storage CNY4,999MYR3,264.00

Both series are available in Black, Jade Green, and White and the regular Xiaomi 14 has a Snow Mountain Pink while the Xiaomi 14 Pro has a Titanium edition.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Xiaomi 14 series especially when it comes to the international launch.

Samsung Galaxy M14 5G Now Available with Pakej 5G Rahmah

Samsung is introducing yet another device to its exhaustive lineup of Galaxy devices. The new Galaxy M14 brings most of Samsung’s now signature design and software to a more affordable price point. The new Galaxy M smartphone will be available as part of the government’s Pakej 5G Rahmah initiative to spur the adoption of 5G through the offering of affordable 5G packages complete with 5G-enabled devices.

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Source: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy M14 comes with Samsung’s own Exynos 1330 processor with 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM. You will be able to get an additional 6GB of RAM through RAM expansion on OneUI. The Exynos processor promises to provide enough performance capacity for gaming and even being productive on the go. Samsung also boasts that the Exynos 1330 comes with an improved GPU with 4.7x the performance compared to its predecessor. The 5G-enabled processor also allows access to high-speed mobile internet enabled by 5G technology.

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Source: Samsung

The M14 comes with a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. This screen has the Infinity-V design which has its front-facing camera in a V-shaped cutout. It also supports memory expansion with a microSD card slot.

On the camera front, the Galaxy M14 comes with a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This is complemented with a 2-megapixel macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and a 2-megapixel depth sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. On the front is a 13-megapixel camera with an f/2.0 aperture. Samsung hasn’t mentioned if the cameras come with optical to electronic image stabilization. According to GSM Arena, the setup comes with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF).

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Source: Samsung

The smartphone comes with a 6,000mAh battery that supports 25W Fast Charging. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Pricing & Availability

Samsung’s Galaxy M14 5G will be available as part of the Pakej 5G Rahmah initiative by the Malaysian Government. As such, it will be part of packages offered by a number of carriers including CelcomDigi, U Mobile and Yes 5G.

Every purchase of the Galaxy M14 5G will be entitled to a complimentary 3-month subscription to Viu. This is redeemable through the Samsung Members app.

TelcoPriceCarrier PackageTerms & Condition/Other Freebies
CelcomFreeXPAX Postpaid 60Must activate 5G Booster; 24-month Contract
DigiFreeDigi Postpaid 60Must activate 5G Booster; 24-month Contract
U MobileMYR119U Postpaid 68MYR10 rebate for 24 months; 24-month Contract
YES 5GMYR240YES Power 35 24-month Contract

Apple iPhone is Coming to Yes 5G

Subscribers to Yes 5G (YTL Communications) prepare to take a bite of the iPhone as Yes 5G is gearing up to offer the popular smartphone! The carrier will be offering the complete iPhone 15 lineup consisting of the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Yes 5G iPhone 15 Pro Sales Day

The full pricing and plan details will be unveiled by Yes 5G on November 2, 2023. Customers eager to get their hands on these cutting-edge devices can make their purchases starting from November 3, 2023.

Yes 5G is gearing up to offer competitive monthly instalment plans, along with their Yes Infinite+ packages. These packages provide unlimited, uncapped 5G data, swift internet speeds, and unrestricted calls, all without any fair usage policy.

Yes 5G iPhone 15 Sales Day

To stay ahead of the game and be the first to receive updates on pricing and plan specifics, you can register your interest on Yes 5G’s official website.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments as Yes 5G prepares to introduce the iPhone 15 lineup, promising a new level of innovation and performance.

OPPO Unveils the Entry Level OPPO A18

It seems like when it rains, it’s a never N-ding torrent from OPPO. Following the deluge of releases including the Find N3, Find N3 Flip and OPPO Pad 2, the company has taken the veils off its latest A-series smartphone, the OPPO A18. The entry-level device packs a punch with its large 5,000mAh battery and powerful MediaTek Helio G85 processor, ensuring a seamless and long-lasting performance. This device also introduces a 90Hz Sunlight Display and an Ultra Volume Mode.

The OPPO A18 stays true to OPPO’s iconic design aesthetic. It’s available in two colours, Glowing Blue and Glowing Black, both employing OPPO’s exclusive OPPO Glow design technique. This unique approach gives the phone’s back cover a shimmering appearance, making it resistant to fingerprints and providing a dual matte finish with a touch of glittery elegance.

Pic 4 OPPO A18

This smartphone inherits the well-loved Ultra-Slim Retro Design of previous A-series models. It’s comfortable to hold, sleek, and lightweight, measuring just 8.16mm in thickness and weighing around 188g. The OPPO A18 also features a Side Fingerprint Unlock feature, ensuring swift and convenient access even when holding the device with one hand.

Battery life concerns are addressed with the OPPO A18’s capacious 5,000mAh battery. Even after 12 hours of work and daily activities, there’s more than 20% battery life remaining on a full charge. OPPO has implemented a series of technologies to enhance charging safety and battery reliability. The All-day Charging Protection employs AI to learn users’ charging habits and intelligently schedules charging, optimizing safety and efficiency during extended charging periods. Furthermore, All-Day AI Power Saving ensures that the phone supports up to 25 hours of all-time standby even with just 5% battery left.

Reading or viewing content in bright light is not an issue with the OPPO A18’s Sunlight Display. The display offers up to 720 nits of brightness in High Brightness Mode. This makes on-screen content easily visible even in direct sunlight. The 6.56-inch HD+ display boasts a 90Hz refresh rate and a 96% DCI-P3 colour gamut Additionally, the All-Day AI Eye Comfort feature minimizes eye strain, making extended screen time comfortable.

Pic 3 OPPO A18

The MediaTek Helio G85 platform powers the OPPO A18, delivering smooth and efficient performance. With OPPO’s proprietary Dynamic Computing Engine, this phone guarantees long-lasting smooth performance, as confirmed by 36-month Fluency Protection tests in the OPPO lab. The OPPO A18 comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB of ROM, with RAM Expansion technology allowing it to convert free ROM space into up to 4GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.

OPPO is also focusing on durability even in its entry-level smartphones. The OPPO A18 comes with an IP54 dustproof and waterproof rating, along with IPX4 Water Resistance. It offers protection against water splashes and humid conditions.

The camera setup includes an 8MP main camera and a 2MP bokeh camera for clear and vivid images. The 5MP front camera guarantees stunning selfies and excellent video call quality.

Pricing & Availability

Pic 1 OPPO A18

The OPPO A18 is available in Glowing Blue and Glowing Black with 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM at a recommended retail price of RM499.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Series Goes Official Priced from MYR899

Hot off the launch of their Galaxy FE devices, Samsung has introduced the new Galaxy Tab A9 series. Two tablets that come in below the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series take a focused approach to providing an immersive entertainment experience. Available in two sizes, this series combines immersive video and audio with ultra-fast connectivity, catering to both entertainment and productivity needs in a sleek and portable package.

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The Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+ are equipped with the largest screens ever seen in any Galaxy A series tablet, boasting 8.7 and 11-inch displays, respectively. The Galaxy Tab A9+ also comes with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz. It also comes with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. Ultra-fast 5G connectivity ensures uninterrupted streaming on the go. The Galaxy Tab A9, however, only features Dual speakers and LTE connectivity. Both tablets sport sleek, unibody designs with soft-textured back covers for comfortable handling.

The Galaxy Tab A9+ comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G while the A9 comes with a MediaTek Helio G99 processor. Both of the tables come with up to 128GB of internal storage and up to 8GB of RAM. Like other Samsung tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9+ and Tab A9 come with Samsung DeX for a more productivity-focused interface. They also come with Multi-active window which supports up to three apps running simultaneously.

For the first time, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A series will be able to connect seamlessly across Galaxy devices. This includes smartphones, tablets, TV and monitors. Like other Samsung devices, the tablets in the A series feature Samsung Knox for added data security. The Security & Privacy Dashboard gives users insight and control over their data.

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Samsung Kids provides a secure digital environment on the Tab A series according to Samsung. Parents and caregivers can easily monitor and control children’s activities, set playtime limits, access settings, and manage content. Samsung Galaxy’s ‘Edutainment’ offers engaging and educational content, promoting learning through play.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy Tab A9 series will be available in Malaysia from October 23, 2023, in Graphite, Silver and Navy. It will be priced at MYR899 for the Galaxy A9 (LTE), MYR1099 for the Galaxy Tab A9+ (WiFi) and MYR1649 for the Tab A9+ with 5G. Only the versions with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage will be available in Malaysia.

Galaxy Tab A9 launch KV

Special promotions will be available when purchasing the devices from October 23 to November 30, 2023. Every purchase of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A series throughout this period will entitle buyers to up to a 30% Purchase-with-Purchase (PWP) discount on Samsung Care+Purchase and selected Samsung Accessories. It will also come with three months of Viu Premium streaming.