Category Archives: News

Health, Lifestyle, News

watchOS 11 Puts the “Control” in “Take Control of Your Health”

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Apple Watch has become an indispensable tool for many users, offering fitness tracking, communication features, and a convenient way to stay on top of notifications. Each iteration of WatchOS has brought many enhancements that make the experience of Apple Watches a little better. This year’s watchOS 11 update promises a range of enhancements focused on personalization, improved health insights, and expanded functionality, solidifying the Apple Watch’s position as a comprehensive and versatile wearable device. Let’s delve deeper into the key features shared at WWDC 2024.

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Source: Apple

Taking Control of Your Activity Rings

watchOS 11 introduces a new level of personalization for Activity rings. Imagine needing a break from your fitness routine due to an injury or a busy schedule. With watchOS 11, you can now pause your Activity rings for a day, a week, a month, or even longer. This allows you to maintain your award streak while taking a necessary break, ensuring a more flexible approach to fitness goals. Additionally, users can customize their Activity ring goals by day of the week. Imagine setting a more ambitious move goal for weekdays when you have more time for exercise, while setting a more relaxed target for weekends. This customization empowers users to tailor their Activity rings to their individual schedules and fitness aspirations.

The Vitals App: A Holistic View of Your Health

watchOS 11 introduces the Vitals app, offering a centralized location to view key health metrics. Imagine glancing at your watch and seeing your overnight heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen level, and sleep duration displayed conveniently in one place. The Vitals app provides a holistic snapshot of your overall health and well-being, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and fitness routines.

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Source: Apple

For expecting mothers, watchOS 11 integrates seamlessly with the Health app on iPhone. The Cycle Tracking app on Apple Watch can display gestational age and allow users to log pregnancy symptoms, providing valuable insights throughout their pregnancy journey.

Smarter Stacks for Enhanced Functionality

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Source: Apple

Smart Stacks, a feature that groups relevant watch faces together for easy access, receives an upgrade in watchOS 11. Imagine a Smart Stack that automatically displays the weather forecast in the morning, your workout routine during exercise hours, and upcoming calendar events throughout the day. This functionality leverages on-device intelligence to display the most relevant information at the most opportune time, eliminating the need to manually switch between different watch faces.

Live Activities: Staying Connected in Real-Time

watchOS 11 introduces Live Activities, a new feature that allows users to stay updated on events happening in real-time directly from their wrist. Imagine following the live score of a sporting event, monitoring the progress of a ride-sharing service, or tracking the status of a food delivery order, all without needing to unlock your iPhone. Live Activities provide a convenient way to stay connected to ongoing events without interrupting your workflow.

Introducing the Translate App

watchOS 11 expands communication capabilities with the introduction of the Translate app. Imagine travelling abroad and needing to translate a phrase or sentence on the fly. With the Translate app, you can simply type or dictate a phrase in one language and view the translated text on your watch screen. This functionality can be particularly useful for navigating unfamiliar places, ordering food, or simply breaking down language barriers during your travels.

Enhanced Workout Tracking with Expanded Options

The Workout app on Apple Watch receives an upgrade in watchOS 11. Imagine having access to more structured workout options beyond running, walking, and cycling. With watchOS 11, users can create custom workouts for activities like swimming, strength training, or yoga. Additionally, the ability to set target-based and time-based intervals within workouts allows for a more personalized and goal-oriented fitness experience.

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Source: Apple

watchOS 11 also introduces Training Load, a new metric that calculates the intensity and duration of your workouts, providing insights into your overall training effectiveness and recovery needs. Imagine understanding how your workouts are impacting your body and adjusting your training plan accordingly to optimize your performance and prevent injury.

A More Personalized Watch Face

watchOS 11 introduces a redesigned Photos watch face that uses machine learning to automatically curate photos that it thinks will look best as a watch face. Imagine having a dynamic watch face that showcases your favourite memories throughout the day. Additionally, users can customize the watch face with different font and colour options to further personalize their Apple Watch experience.

Beyond the Headline Features: Minor Enhancements

While personalization features, the Vitals app, Live Activities, and the Translate app take centre stage in watchOS 11, there are additional enhancements worth mentioning. Users can now send and receive Apple Cash by holding the Apple Watch near another watch or iPhone with Tap to Cash, eliminating the need to carry physical cash or a debit card for small transactions. Additionally, offline turn-by-turn navigation for custom walking routes and hikes is now available for all U.S. national parks, allowing users to explore these natural wonders without relying on a cellular connection.

News

iPadOS 18 Gets Optimized for the Apple Pencil

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With Apple Intelligence getting integrated across the board, it seems like Apple is taking the Apple Pencil more seriously when it comes to iPadOS 18. The WWDC 2024 keynote focused on a range of enhancements focused on personalization, improved multitasking, and deeper integration with the Apple Pencil, solidifying the iPad’s position as a versatile tool for diverse workflows. Let’s explore some of the key features expected with iPadOS 18.

A Home Screen Tailored to Your Needs

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iPadOS’s close relationship with iOS continues with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 with personalization taking center stage. Imagine a home screen that reflects your individual workflow and preferences. Users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the home screen, allowing for a level of customization that caters to specific needs. A data analyst might place data visualization tools and spreadsheets prominently, while a musician might prioritize music creation apps and tuners. Additionally, the ability to customize the Dock at the bottom of the screen provides quick access to frequently used applications, further streamlining workflows.

Enhanced Multitasking for Seamless Workflows

Multitasking on the iPad receives a significant boost in iPadOS 18. The introduction of Stage Manager allows users to create and manage multiple app windows simultaneously. Imagine working on a complex presentation in Keynote while simultaneously referencing a web browser window and conducting research in a note-taking app like Notability. Stage Manager facilitates a seamless transition between tasks, eliminating the need to constantly switch between full-screen applications. Additionally, users can leverage features like Split View and Slide Over for even more granular control over their workspace, allowing them to work with multiple apps simultaneously and efficiently.

Apple Pencil Optimization: A Boon for Creative Professionals

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Apple Pencil continues to be a core element of the iPad experience, and iPadOS 18 brings a range of optimizations designed to enhance its functionality for creative professionals. Imagine a more natural and responsive writing experience with improved palm rejection and reduced latency. Artists can create smoother lines and more precise strokes, while note-takers can enjoy a more pen-to-paper-like experience when jotting down ideas or taking notes in lectures.

Scribble, the feature that allows users to handwrite directly within text fields, receives an upgrade in iPadOS 18. Imagine handwriting a quick note in a brainstorming session and seamlessly converting it to typed text without needing to switch between handwriting and typing modes. That is exactly what’s coming with iPadOS 18. This functionality will streamline workflows and allow for a more fluid transition between handwritten ideas and digital text.

Advanced Note-Taking with Quick Notes

Note-taking receives further enhancements with the introduction of Quick Notes in iPadOS 18. Imagine a streamlined way to capture fleeting thoughts or ideas. With a simple swipe from the corner of the screen, users can access a Quick Note window and jot down ideas, create checklists, or even add sketches using the Apple Pencil. These Quick Notes can then be easily saved, organized, and accessed later within the Notes app.

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Enhanced Video Editing Capabilities

iMovie, the built-in video editing app on iPad, receives an update in iPadOS 18. Imagine having access to more professional-grade editing tools on your iPad. The update might include features like multi-timeline editing, allowing users to edit multiple video clips simultaneously, and the ability to apply color grading for a more polished look. This empowers iPad users to create more sophisticated and visually engaging video content.

Improved File Management

The Files app receives an update in iPadOS 18, offering improved functionalities for managing your digital library. Imagine quickly locating specific documents or projects by leveraging a more robust search function. Additionally, the ability to tag files for easier organization allows for a more streamlined workflow. You could categorize project-related files with specific tags, making them easier to find later.

News

MacOS Sequoia Brings Productivity Enhancements, Apple Intelligence and More

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WWDC 2024‘s keynote has wrapped up. The keynote brought the announcement of Apple Intelligence making its debut across the board and improvements to all of Apple’s OSes including Sequoia and iOS. This year, macOS Sequoia promises a range of features designed to empower users with improved multitasking capabilities, a more streamlined workflow, and a groundbreaking level of integration between iPhones and Macs.

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Windows Tiling for Enhanced Organization

A major addition to macOS Sequoia is the introduction of windows tiling. Imagine dividing your Mac’s screen into specific sections, each displaying a different application window. This functionality allows users to create a customized workspace that caters to their individual needs. Whether you’re a designer juggling multiple creative tools, a researcher comparing documents side-by-side, or a multitasker managing communication channels, windows tiling has the potential to significantly enhance organization and streamline workflows. Imagine snapping your web browser to one half of the screen while your email client occupies the other, allowing you to effortlessly switch between tasks without minimizing or resizing windows.

Effortless iPhone Mirroring for Seamless Continuity

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One of the most exciting features in macOS Sequoia is iPhone mirroring. This innovative functionality allows users to wirelessly display their iPhone’s screen directly onto their Mac. Imagine seamlessly transitioning ongoing tasks from your phone to your computer. You could be composing a text message on your iPhone and then effortlessly move it to your Mac for continued editing on a larger screen with a full-size keyboard. This level of seamless integration eliminates the need for cumbersome cable connections and opens doors for presentations and demonstrations. Imagine showcasing content directly from your iPhone on a projector connected to your Mac, eliminating the need for additional adapters or software.

A Smarter Safari Experience

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Safari, Apple’s built-in web browser, receives an upgrade in macOS Sequoia. The introduction of “Highlights” utilizes machine learning to identify relevant information on a webpage while you browse. Imagine reading an article about a new restaurant and seeing a “Highlights” card offering directions and contact information displayed conveniently alongside the text. This eliminates the need to switch between apps or manually search for additional details. Additionally, Reader gets a redesign, offering functionalities like summaries and tables of contents for lengthy articles, making it easier to consume information on the go.

Beyond the Headlines: Minor Feature Enhancements

While windows tiling, iPhone mirroring, and Safari improvements take centre stage, macOS Sequoia offers additional enhancements. The built-in calculator app receives an update, introducing new tools like conversion options and a history function. Imagine easily converting between currencies or measurements without relying on third-party applications. Additionally, the Calendar app gains the ability to create, view, edit, and complete reminders directly within the Calendar interface. This streamlines task management and keeps all your scheduling needs centralized in one app. There are also Gaming enhancements that come with Sequoia that include easier porting of Mac games to iPad and iPhone. It’ll be exciting to see which games make the jump.

Apple Intelligence: Powering the Future

While the specific functionalities of Apple Intelligence, a suite of on-device and cloud-based intelligence features unveiled alongside macOS Sequoia, remain under development, its potential impact is significant. Imagine Siri’s capabilities being enhanced, leading to more natural conversations and improved contextual understanding. Additionally, background replacements in video conferencing are expected to leverage Apple Intelligence. Imagine blurring your background during a video call for a more professional presentation or even replacing it with a pre-selected image.

iOS, Mobile, News

iOS 18 Brings More Personalization, RCS and Siri Improvements

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Apple’s annual update to iOS is finally revealed at WWDC 2024. This year, iOS 18 promises a significant leap forward in personalization, communication tools, and the seamless integration of on-device and cloud-based intelligence. Let’s delve deeper into some of the key features that will likely shape the way users interact with their iPhones.

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Personalization takes Center Stage

iOS 18 ushers in a new era of customization for the iPhone experience. The once-static home screen is transforming into a dynamic and personalized hub. Imagine glancing at your phone and seeing not just app icons, but also a glimpse of your upcoming calendar events, the latest weather forecast, or even a summary of breaking news headlines – all displayed conveniently on your lock screen through customizable widgets. This eliminates the need to unlock your phone for these quick informational glances, saving precious time throughout the day.

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Users can personalize their lock screens and home screens further by arranging apps and widgets in any open space. This allows for a level of customization that caters to individual preferences and workflows. Imagine placing your most-used social media apps at the bottom of the screen for easy access, while positioning frequently used productivity tools like your calendar and email app in a prominent spot closer to the top. Additionally, the ability to customize the buttons at the bottom of the lock screen provides quick access to the features users rely on most, such as the flashlight or camera app.

Taking Focus Modes to the Next Level

Focus Modes, introduced in iOS 15 to help users manage distractions and maintain productivity, receive a significant upgrade in iOS 18. Users can now create custom Focus Modes for various scenarios, such as “Work,” “Workout,” or “Relaxation.” Each Focus Mode can be tailored to automatically adjust notification settings and hide irrelevant app icons on the home screen. Imagine entering your “Work” Focus Mode and having your iPhone automatically silence notifications from social media apps while keeping your work email alerts active. This level of granular control empowers users to create an iPhone experience that seamlessly integrates with their daily routines and minimizes distractions.

The Long-Awaited Arrival of RCS Messaging

For iPhone users who have friends and family on Android devices, iOS 18 brings a long-awaited feature – support for Rich Communication Services (RCS). This integration eliminates a major pain point in communication between the two platforms. Gone are the days of blurry photos and videos sent via SMS. With RCS, iPhone users can now share high-resolution photos and videos, see typing indicators while composing messages, and enjoy other enhanced messaging features previously unavailable when communicating with Android users. This seamless integration fosters a more cohesive messaging experience regardless of the device used.

Siri Gets Smarter and More Conversational

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Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, is poised for a significant evolution with iOS 18. Apple Intelligence, unveiled alongside the new operating system, promises to enhance Siri’s capabilities by leveraging on-device and cloud-based intelligence. Imagine asking Siri complex questions and receiving not just basic answers, but also follow-up suggestions or clarifications to ensure it fully understands your intent. For instance, you could ask Siri, “Can you summarize this research paper for me and identify the key arguments?” or “Help me write a social media post about my recent vacation, capturing the fun and excitement.” Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, could not only provide summaries and answer your questions, but also potentially generate different creative text formats like poems, code snippets, or scripts, further enhancing its utility and versatility.

A Smarter Safari Experience

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Web browsing on iPhone is poised to become even more streamlined with iOS 18. Safari, Apple’s built-in web browser, receives an upgrade with the introduction of “Highlights.” This feature utilizes machine learning to identify relevant information on a webpage while you browse. Imagine reading an article about a new restaurant and seeing a “Highlights” card offering directions and contact information displayed conveniently alongside the text. This eliminates the need to switch between apps or manually search for additional details. Additionally, Reader gets a redesign, offering functionalities like summaries and tables of contents for longer articles, making it easier to consume information on the go.

Enhanced Organization in Mail

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The Mail app in iOS 18 receives an update focused on improving organization and information extraction. Imagine receiving an email with a flight confirmation or hotel reservation. iOS 18’s Mail app, powered by Apple Intelligence, could automatically extract key details like flight times, hotel addresses, and confirmation numbers, making them easily accessible and actionable. Additionally, the ability to schedule emails allows you to draft a message and choose a specific time and date for it to be sent, ensuring your communication is delivered at the most opportune moment.

Memories Get a Makeover in Photos

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The Photos app in iOS 18 leverages Apple Intelligence to create a more personalized and engaging experience when revisiting your memories. Imagine opening the Photos app and seeing a curated slideshow of photos and videos from your recent vacation, complete with music and captions automatically generated based on the location and content. Additionally, advanced search functionalities allow you to search your photo library based on specific criteria, such as location, date, or even the objects or people present in the photos. This makes it easier to find those specific memories you’re looking for, even years later.

Apple Notes Gets Smarter

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The Notes app, often used for jotting down quick thoughts and ideas, receives a subtle but potentially useful upgrade in iOS 18. Imagine taking notes during a lecture or meeting and having the Notes app automatically identify key points, create bulleted lists, or even record audio alongside the written text. This can be particularly helpful when reviewing information later and trying to recall specific details from a conversation or presentation.

Beyond the Headline Features

While the aforementioned features take center stage in iOS 18, there are additional enhancements worth mentioning. T9 predictive dialing, a feature reminiscent of old-school flip phones, makes a comeback. Imagine wanting to call a friend named David. Simply tap the number 3 for “D,” the 2 for “A,” the 8 for “V,” and the 3 again for “I” on the iPhone’s keypad. The system will intelligently predict the contact you’re trying to reach, streamlining the dialing process.

Apple notes a continued commitment to user privacy with iOS 18. While details on specific privacy features are yet to be revealed, we can expect the update to include security patches and potentially offer more granular controls over app tracking permissions.

Business, Computers, iOS, Mobile, News

AI Comes to Apple Products with ‘Apple Intelligence’

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AI is the theme of the year when it comes to tech. Hot off the bevvy of announcements from COMPUTEX 2024, AI makes its Apple debut with ‘Apple Intelligence’. The WWDC 2024 keynote saw a swathe of new software across the board from iOS18 to MacOS Sequoia. However, Apple’s take on artificial intelligence integration was one thing in all the updates.

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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple

This new initiative focuses on leveraging on-device and cloud-based intelligence to enhance user experience in various aspects, from streamlined tasks to more personalized interactions. A key highlight is the integration of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s large language model, which promises to significantly improve Siri’s capabilities.

A New Siri Experience Powered by GPT-4o

Let’s talk about the OpenAI-sized elephant in the room. One of the most anticipated features within Apple Intelligence is the integration of ChatGPT. With GPT-4o having been recently announced, the technology is designed – now more than ever – to understand and respond to natural language in a more comprehensive and nuanced way.

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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple
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Source: Apple

With ChatGPT on board, Siri is poised for a major evolution. Users can expect more natural and engaging conversations, with Siri able to follow complex requests, answer follow-up questions within context, and even generate different creative text formats like poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, and emails. It will also allow Siri more contextual actions within apps.

Users can expect a more natural and intuitive user experience, with Siri now capable of:

  • Understanding complex requests: Gone are the days of meticulously crafted phrases to elicit a response from Siri. ChatGPT empowers Siri to comprehend the nuances of natural language, allowing users to ask questions and make requests in a more conversational style.
  • Following up within context: Frustrations with disjointed conversations are a thing of the past. ChatGPT enables Siri to follow the flow of a conversation, referencing previous questions and requests to provide relevant and connected responses.
  • Generating creative text formats: Need a poem for a loved one or a script for a home video? Look no further than the AI-powered Siri. ChatGPT unlocks the potential for Siri to generate different creative text formats, catering to various needs and situations.

This integration is expected to be available in beta form with the upcoming iOS 18 release. However, some reports suggest these features may remain in beta even after the official iOS 18 launch, allowing Apple to gather user feedback and refine the technology before a full rollout.

It’s Not Just Siri. Apple Intelligence is Everywhere.

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Source: Apple

Apple Intelligence isn’t only making its debut with Siri. It will be integrated into a bevvy of features that will be available across all of Apple’s products. Here’s a closer look at how ChatGPT is expected to influence different aspects of Apple products:

  • Effortless Photo and Video Management: The drudgery of editing photos and videos might soon become a relic of the past. Apple Intelligence, powered by ChatGPT, will analyze user photos and videos, automatically suggesting edits, filters, and effects. This intelligent assistant can recommend optimal edits based on factors like lighting, composition, and content, saving users valuable time and even sparking creative inspiration.
  • Personalized Health and Wellness Insights: The Apple Watch and Health app are poised to benefit significantly from AI integration with ChatGPT. Sleep tracking and activity monitoring functionalities are expected to become more accurate, with AI providing personalized insights that go beyond basic data collection. Imagine receiving actionable recommendations based on your sleep patterns or activity levels, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your overall health and well-being.
  • Smarter Notifications, Streamlined Workflow: Imagine receiving notifications only when they are truly relevant and actionable. ChatGPT, integrated with Apple Intelligence, could analyze user habits and preferences, filtering out unimportant notifications and prioritizing the ones that require immediate attention. This intelligent system can even anticipate your needs, suggesting actions before you ask. For instance, imagine Siri suggesting you adjust your thermostat upon arriving home or reminding you of an upcoming meeting with relevant context.

Apple has emphasized its commitment to user privacy with Apple Intelligence. The company claims that all AI processing will prioritize on-device computation whenever possible. This minimizes the amount of data sent to the cloud, potentially reducing privacy concerns. Additionally, Apple assures users that their data will be anonymized and used only to improve their experience with Apple products and services.

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While Apple Intelligence promises exciting possibilities, some experts caution about potential limitations. Since some features will rely on cloud-based processing, concerns regarding internet connectivity and potential latency issues remain. Additionally, the long-term impact of AI on user privacy requires ongoing scrutiny and transparency from Apple.

Lifestyle, News

Shokz OpenFit Air Shakes Things Up in Malaysia

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When it comes to bone conduction or open-ear audio, the first brand that comes to mind is Aftershokz. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find the company now as it celebrated its 10th anniversary; back in 2021 with a rebrand. It’s now known as Shokz. Shokz has continued its leadership in open-ear audio products leading the foray into the space with other brands like Huawei and Bose following suit. However, Shokz continues to set itself apart thanks to the deployment of bone-conducting technology that delivers clear sound. The latest product to employ this technology is the OpenFit Air.

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The new OpenFit Air joins the company’s renowned lineup as a true wireless, open-ear audio solution. It’s also deviating from the bone conduction technology that has been the hallmark of Shokz products. The new OpenFit Air uses what Shokz is calling DirectPitch technology. This technology optimises sound delivery through the use of superposition. A little bit of a throwback to high school physics – a superposition is an overlap in one or more waves that can result in an amplification of the strength or amplitude of the wave. Using this concept, DirectPitch is able to deliver sound in a directed way that reduces sound leakage and prevents audio degradation. Paired with Shokz’s OpenBass Air and low-frequency technology, the OpenFit Air can deliver full sound with powerful bass. This allows your ears to be unobstructed while you enjoy that new Billie Eilish album.

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The OpenFit Air also comes with four microphones that are able to track and isolate your voice with Adaptive Beamforming. This builds on the small 18x11mm drivers that drive the audio experience of the Air. These drivers deliver rich, full audio which immerses you in your audiobook or podcast while allowing you to be aware of your surroundings.

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The earbuds themselves are lightweight, weighing only 8.7g. They are made of soft silicone making them sweat-resistant and comfortable. It’s also pliable to fit all ear shapes for better comfort and sound quality. The Air-Earhook, which hooks on your ear as the name suggests, has an ultra-fine 0.75mm flexible nickel-titanium memory alloy that provides added security and better fit when you use the OpenFit Air. The Airs also come with IP54 water and sweat resistance with a 10-metre Bluetooth range.

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The battery on the OpenAir Fit can give you a full six hours of listening on a single charge. The case adds 22 hours of battery life or about 3 full charges on a single, complete charge. Need a quick top-up mid-run or workout? The OpenFit Air will be able to give you 2 hours of listening with a 10-minute charge. You’ll also be able to take control of your listening session with intuitive touch controls and even connect to more than one device with multipoint pairing.

Pricing & Availability

The Shokz OpenFit Air are now available online at the Nove Marketing website and in retail outlets like Urban Republic. They will be retailing for RM599 and will be available in three colours: pink, white and black.

Computers, News

New MSI Modern series Laptops Debut at COMPUTEX 2024

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MSI has unveiled the new Modern series laptops at COMPUTEX 2024. These laptops cater specifically to business professionals and students who prioritize portability. Building upon the success of previous iterations praised for their comfortable keyboards and lightweight designs, the new Modern series offers several enhancements for an even more productive user experience.

The new MSI Moden series laptops will be available in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch display options. These laptops will carry forward the series’ well-regarded keyboard design. Additionally, the laptops maintain their lightweight and portable form factor, making them ideal companions for professionals on the go or students carrying their laptops between classes.

MSI Modern series laptops

They introduces a dedicated RJ-45 wired network port alongside its existing wireless connectivity options. This wired connection provides a more stable internet connection, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted workflow, especially crucial for downloading large files or attending video conferences.

In addition to the core features of comfort, portability, and enhanced connectivity, the new MSI Modern series is expected to offer a variety of configurations with different processors, memory options, and storage capacities. This allows users to choose a model that best suits their specific needs and budget.

MSI has not yet revealed specific details on battery life; however, considering the focus on mobility and the energy-efficient processors typically used in the Modern series, users can expect long battery life for a full workday or school day on a single charge.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the new Modern series laptops will be revealed at a later date.

Computers, News

MSI Shows Off The Prestige & Summit Series Laptops Running on Lunar Lake Processors

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MSI has unveiled its next-generation Prestige and Summit series laptops at COMPUTEX 2024. These business and productivity laptops are powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (codenamed “Lunar Lake”), boasting significant advancements in AI capabilities.

The new processors offer up to three times more AI performance compared to the previous generation. This translates to the ability to run more AI software and services directly on the laptop, enhancing efficiency and security. Additionally, the processors integrate a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) alongside the CPU and GPU, delivering over 100 TOPS of AI computing power.

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The Prestige and Summit series come equipped with comprehensive software and services optimized for the Intel Core Ultra processors. This optimization, provided by over 100 independent software vendors, ensures a smooth and secure user experience. Furthermore, with over 500 pre-optimized AI models, these laptops offer a robust platform for developing AI-related services.

Beyond AI prowess, the Core Ultra processors boast improved energy efficiency. This allows for lighter, thinner laptops with extended battery life, ideal for business professionals on the go. The Prestige series comes in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch display options. All models prioritize portability with lightweight builds and large batteries. For instance, the Prestige 13 AI+ Evo weighs a mere 990 grams and packs a 75Wh battery for uninterrupted workday use. Additionally, the entire Prestige series upgrades to a 5-megapixel webcam, enhancing video conferencing capabilities.

The Summit 13 AI+ Evo is a standout within MSI’s business and productivity category. It combines the latest Intel Core Ultra processors with a lightweight design, comprehensive security features, and support for the MSI Pen 2 stylus with MPP 2.6 technology. This combination makes it a versatile choice for professionals seeking a powerful and secure ultraportable laptop.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the Prestige and Summit series laptops will be revealed at a later date.

Computers, News

MSI Announces New X870 Motherboards Supporting AM5 Sockets and Ryzen 9000 Processors

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Hot off the heels of AMD’s announcement of its new Ryzen AI and Ryzen 9000 series processors, MSI has announced its offerings based on AMD’s X870 chipset. The new motherboards are designed to unleash the power of the upcoming AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors and feature cutting-edge 4nm CPU process technology, these motherboards promise to deliver unparalleled performance, efficiency, and versatility for gamers and content creators alike.

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The new X870 motherboards support the AM5 socket, ensuring seamless compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors, including the Ryzen 9 9950X, 9900X, Ryzen 7 9700X, and Ryzen 5 9600X. Existing AMD 600 Series motherboards can also be upgraded to support the Ryzen 9000 Series processors through a simple BIOS update that will be made available on MSI’s website.

MSI showcased two X870 models at COMPUTEX 2024: the MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI and PRO X870-P WIFI. The company plans to offer a comprehensive lineup catering to diverse user needs across the MPG and MEG series. Specific details on availability and pricing for all models will be announced closer to launch.

New Features for a Next-Generation Performance

MSI’s X870 motherboards introduce several innovative features designed to enhance user experience. The all-new “EZ PCIe Release” allows for effortless removal of graphics cards installed in the primary PCIe Gen 5.0 slot. Additionally, the upgraded “EZ PCIe Clip II” boasts an improved hooking mechanism for easier removal and installation of graphics cards.

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MSI has also reinforced the PCIe slots on its X870 motherboards with three additional anchor points and thicker materials to address the increasing weight and size of modern graphics cards. This “PCIe Steel Armor” is reported to be 121% stronger compared to the previous generation, offering improved stability and support for even the heaviest graphics cards.

The second generation of “EZ M.2 Clip II” simplifies the installation and removal of M.2 SSD storage. Featuring a screwless design, users can effortlessly open the M.2 Frozr cooler with a simple squeeze and install the M.2 SSD with a push. Removal requires only a slight pull to the left.

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All X870 motherboards are equipped with cutting-edge Lightning Gen 5.0 PCIe and M.2 slots, unlocking the full potential of high-speed storage devices. Additionally, a USB 4 connector now comes standard on all X870 models, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 40GB/s.

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For seamless connectivity, MSI has upgraded the Wi-Fi antenna module with a quick-release mechanism for easy installation. The top-tier MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI and PRO X870-P WIFI models boast advanced 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 technologies, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted network performance for demanding applications and online gaming.

Pricing & Availability

Specific pricing and availability information for the entire MSI X870 motherboard lineup, including the MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI and PRO X870-P WIFI showcased at COMPUTEX 2024, will be revealed closer to launch.

Android, Mobile, News

Honor will be Unveiling its First Flip Device on 13 June 2024

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Honor is set to enter the foldable phone market with the upcoming launch of the Magic V Flip on June 13, 2024. This announcement comes after a period of speculation and rumours surrounding the new device.

Honor Magic V Flip 1
Source: Honor (Weibo)

The Honor Magic V Flip adopts a clamshell design, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series. Images from Honor’s official Weibo account reveal a sizeable cover display that occupies more than half the phone’s back when folded. This display is rumoured to be over 4 inches diagonally, potentially offering a more expansive viewing experience for notifications and quick actions without unfolding the phone.

Confirmed Specifications and Potential Features

Honor has confirmed some key specifications for the Magic V Flip. The phone will be equipped with 12GB of RAM and users will have storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB. Fast charging capabilities are also confirmed, with support for 66W charging. Previous certifications hint at a 4,500 mAh battery, which could potentially be the largest battery capacity yet seen in a flip phone. While the official camera specifications haven’t been revealed, rumours suggest a 50MP main camera on the rear.

A dedicated launch event scheduled for June 13th in Shanghai, China is expected to unveil the complete specifications, features, and pricing details of the Honor Magic V Flip. Reports suggest three colour options: Camellia White, Champagne Pink, and Iris Black.