Category Archives: News

News

Black Friday Fiesta Deals At The Sony Store From November 24-26

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Add Sony to the list of brands having exciting Black Friday Deals from November 24 to November 26 2023! Sony Malaysia will be having their own Black Friday Fiesta Deals in what looks to be both offline and online stores. As of now, there isn’t much information on which products will be on sale. However, two items have been announced on the Sony Online Store so far. These deals are also coming with vouchers that will give you further discounts on your purchases.

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The Extreme Clearance offers currently apply to the Sony XB13 EXTRA BASS Portable Wireless Speaker and the Xperia 10 IV while stocks last. The XB13 original price is RM 239 is now offered at RM 149, and, with the upcoming Black Friday Deal, the price is lowered even more to RM 129. The speaker is available in 6 colours Black, White, Blue, Light Blue, Pink and Yellow.

The Sony Xperia 10 IV’s original price is RM 2,099 and is also discounted to RM 1,499. The Xperia 10 IV has been further discounted to RM1,199 for Black Friday. The phone is available currently only in-store in its Mint Colourway but this may change with the Black Friday sale. The smartphone will also be coming with a free clear casing and a tempered glass screen protector when purchased.

PRODUCTRETAIL PRICECURRENT DISCOUNTBLACK FRIDAY FIESTA DEALS
SRS-XB13 EXTRA BASS PORTABLE WIRELESS SPEAKERRM 239RM 149RM 129
XPERIA 10 IVRM 2,099RM 1,499RM 1,199
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As for vouchers which are claimable through a special code. The are 2 vouches that are offered, one with RM 400 with a minimum spend of RM 3,500 and the other RM 50 when you spend a minimum of RM 500. However, these vouchers are not applicable for televisions, soundbars, Xperia phones and PlayStation Items. As always, you will need to apply the vouchers when you check out.  

VOUCHERMINIMUM SPENDCODE
RM 400 OFFRM 3,500BF400
RM 50 OFFRM 500BF50

Make sure to mark your calendars from November 24 to November 26 to not miss out on these deals and vouchers. For more information and other deals, you can check them out at the Official Sony Store Malaysia.  

Gaming, News, Promos

PlayStation’s Black Friday Deals – Save Up to 80% on PS4/PS5 Games

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BlackFriday2023 PSPlus
Source: PlayStation

PlayStation’s annual Black Friday sale is back. This year, they are offering a plethora of discounts and offerings across their game library and membership plans. From 17 November till 27 November, players can head over to the PlayStation Store to enjoy discounts up to 80% for games.

New PlayStation Plus members will be able to save up to 30% on 12-month membership plans during the Black Friday promotion. Existing members can also enjoy significant savings when upgrading to PlayStation Plus Extra or PlayStation Plus Premium/Deluxe. The upgrade will also give you access to PS4 and PS5 titles through the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, including games like Horizon Forbidden West, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Sea of Stars, and many more.

For those wanting to snag games from the store, here’s a few popular titles for PS4/PS5 on discount now:

For more information on membership plans and current Black Friday offerings, check out their promotion page here.

Gaming, News

You’d Better Hurry If You’re Interested in These PS Plus Games for November 2023

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Sony has announced quite an interesting PlayStation Plus lineup for November 2023. While last month’s games celebrated the Spooky Season, it looks like Playstation is focusing on thrillers and co-op survival shooters this time round. PlayStation Plus subscribers can add three new games on November 7. The games will be available for download until Monday, December 4 for PlayStation Plus subscribers.

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Mafia II: Definitive Edition

Imagine becoming a gangster in post-WWII Empire Bay, New York. Mafia II: Definitive Edition is a beautiful HD remaster of the criminal drama. Follow military hero Vito Scaletta as he joins the mob to repay his father’s debts. Discover a city full of opportunity and succeed in post-war American businesses in this Golden Age of organised crime. Join your pal, Joe, as you rise in the family hierarchy, committing harder crimes with bigger rewards and repercussions.

Dragon Ball: The Breakers

Experience Dragon Ball in an online asymmetrical action game. Seven average folks must fight the Raider to survive. This terrifying enemy, reminiscent of Cell, Frieza, and Buu, evolves throughout the game becoming more challenging as the game progresses. Escaping will be difficult without cooperation. However, Raider or Survivor decisions may compel you to fight alone. Raiders have powerful abilities to hunt and kill Survivors. Learn each Raider’s special skills to locate and catch prey and become a stronger opponent. Choose your progression route as a Raider or Survivor to gain skills, skins, and stuff to suit your survival or dominance strategy.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite

You and up to two other players or AI if you choose will explore LV-895, a mysterious planet with secrets hidden in its ruins and caves. Choose from six classes and a variety of weaponry, including magnums, SMGs, and rocket launchers, to customise your Marine. You can customise your loadout with 130+ perks. Fulfilled your dream to obliterate Xenomorphs, build your fireteam using class makeup, consumables, and weapons. Combat Prowlers, and Spitters, and set up defences to protect your fireteam long enough to stay alive and get to safety.

Besides those exciting games, PlayStation Plus members have also a special plus advantage. Sony has recently launched Pictures Core for PS5 and PS4 which offers a huge variety of recent and classic Sony Pictures films in select markets. PlayStation Plus members will receive a 15% discount on any Sony Pictures Core content purchased and rented in November starting November 1.

Business, News

GDS Empowers Southeast Asia’s Digital Transformation with Cutting-Edge Data Center in Johor, Malaysia

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GDS, a key player in high-performance data centres, inaugurated its Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP) Data Centre Campus in Johor, Malaysia. The grand event, attended by dignitaries like YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, marked GDS’s strategic entry into Southeast Asia.

GDS NTP Data Center Photo 2

GDS takes a huge step in expanding to Southeast Asia with the Nusajaya Tech Park Data Center Campus, the region’s first. The campus, featuring Nusajaya 1, 2, and 3 data centres, covers 22,500 square metres and boasts an impressive 69.5 MW IT power capacity. This move positions GDS to address the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia as digitization becomes more imperative with the advancement of AI-driven digitalization.

GDS’s strategic categorization of industry players and its customer-centric approach set it apart. With a 22-year track record, GDS has developed an understanding of the diverse needs of its customers and the budding ecosystem of digitized services. This has enabled them to foster an ecosystem that is able to meet these requirements. An example of this is the innovative Smart DC product that utilises AI and IoT for efficient data centre management.

GDS NTP Data Center Opening Event Photo 2

As digitization continues its rapid deployment across businesses in Southeast Asia, GDS’s Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre is being geared to address the need for rapid deployment. GDS will employ cutting-edge prefabricated technology, enabling the swift construction of data centres. The NTP Data Center Campus currently hosts 40 employees, with ambitious plans to expand headcount significantly. As the move into Malaysia – and particularly into Johor – will necessitate the expansion and hiring of a workforce with relevant digital skills, GDS will be actively collaborating with colleges, nurturing future talent and contributing to the local tech ecosystem. That said, the company will also be working on hiring skilled talent and upskilling talent to meet the demands of its business.

GDS envisions a robust expansion of its data centre footprint across Malaysia and Southeast Asia in the next decade. The launch of GDS NTP Data Center Campus Phase 1 signifies a strategic focus on SIJORI locations, actively building an ecosystem to meet the region’s growing data centre demands.

Computers, News

Project Sound Lift, a Leap Forward in AI-Powered Audio Editing

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Project Sound Lift, which was announced on stage at Adobe MAX, is poised to change the world of audio processing. This cutting-edge AI-powered tool will change the way audio layers are split in recordings, making it possible to separate voices from background noise with unmatched accuracy.

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Users are able to isolate different components of sound like laughter, alarms, speech, crowds, traffic, typing, and more with Project Sound Lift. With the built-in AI, the tool is able to instantly find each layer of sound and make separate files for each one.

Adobe’s Project Sound Lift, on the other hand, focuses on specific sounds, making the audio editing process more tailored and precise. Adobe differentiates the tool with its many filters while other tools like Supertone’s Clear and Goyo’s Voice Separator focus on separating and changing background noise, voices, and vocal reverb.

#AdobeMAX Sneaks: Introducing Project Sound Lift | Adobe

The technology is already being used by the industry to restore older tracks. Of course, it comes as no surprise that the Beatles continue to break new ground with the restoration of their hit song “Now and Then”. The track is available on streaming platforms like TIDAL and Spotify. The track producers used a similar AI-based method to separate John Lennon’s voice from the piano music of the original track from a cassette recording.

Adobe showed off what Project Sound Lift could do during Adobe MAX, which also can be viewed on their YouTube channel.

Lifestyle, News

GX Bank Beta App Now Available to Select Malaysians

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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.

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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.

Android, Mobile, News

OPPO A79 5G Released in Malaysia; Priced from RM1,199

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Hot off the global announcement of the OPPO A79 5G, OPPOMalaysia has officially announced the availability of its latest affordable smartphone hero – the A79 5G.

The A79 5G comes with pretty commendable specs when it comes to performance. It comes with 8GB RAM that is complemented by 256GB of internal storage. You’ll also be able to get a little bit more performance with RAM Extension. OPPO’s proprietary Dynamic Computing Engine is touted to ensure overall smoothness and stability in everyday scenarios.

Pic 2 OPPO A79 5G Dazzling Purple and Mystery Black
Source: OPPO

The OPPO A79 5G boasts a unique Glowing Feather Design, available in Dazzling Purple and Mystery Black. According to OPPO, the design is inspired by mechanical watches. The finish provides a diamond-like appearance and a luxurious dial design on the back cover.

Weighing only 193 grams and measuring 7.99 mm in thickness, the A79 5G is not just about aesthetics; it offers a comfortable grip. It’s also got an IP54 rating meaning that it can withstand everyday splashes and dust. The smartphone features a 6.72-inch large FHD+ Sunlight Display with a top-centre punch hole, ensuring an immersive gaming and audio-visual experience. With 680 nits peak brightness, reading text even in bright sunlight becomes a breeze.

Pic 5 OPPO A79 5G Mystery Black
Source: OPPO

To complement the display, the A79 5G features new Dual Stereo Speakers, providing up to 86% more volume compared to the previous generation. The upgraded Ultra Volume Mode increases sound output by up to 300%, ensuring an immersive entertainment experience.

The OPPO A79 5G comes with a 50-megapixel AI Camera, a 2-megapixel Portrait Camera, and an 8-megapixel Selfie Camera. The super-resolution algorithms allow for capturing 108MP Ultra-Clear Images. Creative features like AI Portrait Retouching, Portrait Mode, Ultra Night Mode, and Selfie HDR further enhance the imaging experience.

Pic 3 OPPO A79 5G Dazzling Purple
Source: OPPO

Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, the OPPO A79 5G ensures all day usage. Even if you’re running low, OPPO’s 33W SUPERVOOC flash charge technology will give you 100% charge in about 74 minutes.

Pricing and Availability

The OPPO A79 5G is available in Dazzling Purple and Mystery Black at the recommended retail price of RM1,199. Starting 11th November 2023, customers can make purchases through the OPPO Official Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, My OPPO Space, OPPO Brand Store, and OPPO Authorized Dealers.

News

Xiaomi Redmi 13C Hits the Shelves in Nigeria

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Xiaomi’s Redmi 13C has made its debut in Nigeria with its international rollout coming very soon. The Nigerian debut marks the debut of the Redmi 13 series in the global market.

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The Redmi 13C shares similarities with the POCO C65 but distinguishes itself with a 12nm Helio G85 chipset, offering configurations with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB storage options. The device boasts a 6.74-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1600×720 pixels. It has a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Redmi 13C’s camera setup, featuring an 8MP front-facing lens and a robust rear configuration with a 50MP f/1.8 primary shooter accompanied by a 2MP macro lens. Powering this device is a substantial 5,000mAh battery supporting 18W charging, although a 10W charger is included in the box.

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Running on Android 13-based MIUI 14, the Redmi 13C boasts a 6.74-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it houses a 9nm MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, providing a seamless experience with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. To keep you connected all day, the device is equipped with a substantial 5,000mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi Redmi 13C is already making waves in Nigeria, available in Black and Clover Green colour options. The pricing varies based on the RAM and storage configurations:

  • 4GB + 128GB: NGN 98,100 (RM577.47/USD$122.31/€114/INR 10,170)
  • 8GB + 256GB: NGN 108,100 (RM636.34/USD$134.78/€125/INR 11,200)

The smartphone is expected to debut in Malaysia soon. Stay tuned for more information.

Mobile, News

Microsoft Store on Windows 10 Mobile Shuttered

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It looks like Microsoft is officially removing itself from the mobile market by quietly turning off the Microsoft Store app’s main features. More specifically, Microsoft has turned off the features for Windows 10 Mobile. With this change, Windows 10 Mobile and the first wave of Windows Phones are no longer officially supported.

Microsoft Windows Mobile on Nokia Lumia
Photo by JESHOOTS.com on StockSnap

Users have reported that the store’s homepage isn’t working properly. In addition, the pages for downloading apps and getting updates will not load at all. This problem even affects pages with app details. While it may seem like this is out of the blue, Microsoft announced that support for Windows 10 Mobile devices would end in December 2019. This happened simultaneously with the ending of Windows Phone 8.1 support.

That said, Windows 10 Mobile does support sideloading, which allows users to install apps from places other than the Microsoft Store. It’s worth noting that some users have reported that the store starts working normally again after running the newest offline package.

Microsoft has recently made it very clear that its current strategy is to focus on AI and the PC market, not mobile platforms. However, CEO Satya Nadella recently said that ending support for Windows Phone was a mistake as the mobile device industry is constantly shifting and evolving that they may have lost a crucial bit in the technology market.

Lifestyle, News

Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones Launched in Malaysia for RM999

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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.