Category Archives: News

Microsoft Introduces the Surface Laptop Studio with Windows 11 – The Ultimate Windows 11 Content Creator?

The content creator market is a hot one these days. Everyone wants a piece of the action in the content creator space. Of course, it is not like the Microsoft Windows platform was not an appealing platform for content creators in the first place. The Windows PC platform is still one of the most popular platforms in the content creation industry.

That was Windows 10 though. It was a versatile platform that could run anything you ask it to. It could do about anything you want it to with little compatibility issues. Because Windows 11 is pretty much Windows 10 in basic architecture, you should expect pretty much the same compatibility and versatility from Windows 11 devices.

Except, before we even see Windows 11 devices from manufacturers hitting shelves, Microsoft kind of jumped the gun a little and introduced their own Windows 11 devices. We want to say these could be reference devices, but it does not look like Microsoft is interested in creating references devices. Instead, these devices are built to compete and be as premium and powerful as Windows wants them to be for their purposes. The new Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is the very culmination of what Windows envisions a prefect creator class device should be.

First, it is powerful. You get to spec the new Surface Laptop Studio with up to an 11th generation Intel Core i7-11370H. You also get up to 32GB of RAM to work with, which is ample when it comes to video editing, photo editing, and even 3D workloads. On the graphics department, you can opt for a very powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU for an even more seamless workflow. You can store all the works of art in a 2TB SSD (up to).

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Of course, you get the highest standards of Windows 11 experience for creators with the new Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio. The touch screen display does not just tilt open and close like the regular laptop you might be used to. There is a second hinge in the middle part of the display shell that allows the display to swivel a bit more. You can bring the display closer to you, for example, to have better access to the touch sensitive display. You could also use the Surface Slim Pen 2 to draw on it when you need to. Or use it as a tablet completely, when the mood takes you.

The display is not just some random cheap display too. It is a bright 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Display that refreshes up to 120Hz, in case you are in the mood for gaming. It is a 3:2 aspect ratio displays at 2,400 x 1,600 pixels; odd, but it is a creator first display.  With Dolby Vision as well, you can be proud at whatever film edits you would want to show your clients on the display.

The webcam you get on the Surface Laptop Studio is capable of Full HD resolution for crisp looking video calls. For good measure, the Surface Laptop Studio also comes with Windows Hello face authentication feature on the Surface Laptop. Of course, the Windows 11 device must have far-field mics for voice command and crisp audio for video calls. It also packs four Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos certification. Of course, for smooth, uninterrupted video calls, you have WiFi 6 capabilities on the Surface Laptop Studio.

The new Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio with Windows 11 will be available in select regions 5th of October 2021 onward. Prices start from US$ 1,599.99 (MYR 6,703*) and tops out at US$ 3,099.99 (MYR 12,990*). There are no other colour options other than Platinum on the Magnesium and Aluminium built Windows 11. There are no confirmations on when the Surface Laptop Studio will arrive in Malaysia currently, but we are keeping our ears close to the ground. More information on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio can be found on their website.

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.19 on xe.com as of 23/09/2021

HP Spectre x360 Gets A Big Refresh

The HP Spectre lineup has been one of the lightest and sleekest laptops available in the market. The lineup’s signature thickness paired with the extended functionality makes it one of the more versatile laptop lineups out there. However, if there was one feature that was lacking – it would be the lack of graphics prowess. Yes – there are options with NVIDIA’s GTX graphics but that’s hardly enough for creators.

hp spectre x360 windows 11 lifestyle
Source: HP

The new HP Spectre x360 16 changes that with the inclusion of NVIDIA’s RTX3050 Laptop GPU. Yes – that’s right, the new laptop comes with an entry-level RTX 30 series GPU. It’s also the largest screen available in the lineup with a whopping 16-inch display. The 16:10 display has options that range all the up to a UHD+ OLED display. It comes certified with VESA True Black HDR and is calibrated for colour accuracy. It’s also near borderless with 91% coverage of the panel.

HP has also enhanced the camera of the Spectre x360 16. You’ll be able to use AI-enabled algorithms to touch up your appearance with Beauty Mode. You can also stay in frame when you need to get up to get the blood flowing again with the Auto Frame feature. The AI also enables a myriad of features that many will find useful; for instance, the device will lock as soon as you walk away and wakes when you return. It will also blur the active screen when someone is looking over your shoulder.

hp spectre x360 windows 11
Source: HP

Along with the graphics prowess, the new HP Spectre x360 16 comes equipped with Intel’s 11th generation Core i7 Processor. It also comes with support for the latest WiFi technology – WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The best part? It comes with a full complement of ports with everything from microSD to HDMI to USB-C and Thunderbolt. It also has compatibility with the HP Pen.

Pricing & Availability

The HP Spectre x360 16 2 in 1 Laptop will be available starting in October 2021. It will be priced starting at USD$1,639 (MYR6,869.69).

Netflix Introduces Free Subscription in Kenya

Netflix seems to be testing the waters with a new subscription plan in Kenya. The popular content streaming service is offering a new, free subscription tier in the African country. The new subscription will allow access to all of Netflix’s features including profiles and kids mode.

However, the free subscription does come with some limitations. The first being that the subscription is only available for Android phones. Users on the free subscription will also not have access to Netflix’s full library. Instead, they will only be able to access a fourth of the expansive library. In addition, features like screencasting and downloading shows will not be accessible.

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Source: Netflix

The subscription will be available only in Kenya for now. Netflix has indicated that, as of now, there are no plans to expand the availability. Would-be subscribers will only need an email address and proof that they are above 18 years of age to subscribe. The plan will be rolled out in Kenya over the next few weeks. Netflix has indicated that it sees the free plan as a means of gathering new subscribers to the service.

Pokémon UNITE Lands On Mobile with A Special Holowear Pikachu

Pokémon UNITE was released earlier this year on the Nintendo Switch. The game marks the titular franchise’s first ventured into the MOBA realm. The unique gameplay and fast-paced gaming allowed the game to catch on pretty quickly on the Nintendo Switch.

Now, months after Pokémon UNITE’s Nintendo Switch debut, the game is finally on mobile. It’s available starting September 22, 2021, worldwide on iOS and Android. The mobile version of UNITE will be able to cross-play with the Nintendo Switch version. Trainers who have already been playing on the Switch will simply have to link their Pokémon Trainer Club or Nintendo account when playing.

Pikachu & Zeraora Join the Celebration of Pokémon UNITE on Mobile

To celebrate the launch of Pokémon UNITE on mobile, the Pokémon Company is giving away a special holowear Pikachu. The Pikachu giveaway also celebrates the game getting over 5 million pre-registrations ahead of the official launch. To get it, you simply have to log in to the mobile version of the game by October 31 2021 at 14:59 UTC. If you do, you’ll receive 1,000 Aeos tickets, a Pikachu Unite License and Festival Style: Pikachu Holowear.

In addition to Pikachu, new players can easily get one of the most powerful Pokémon available in UNITE to date – Zeraora – by completing special missions. All you have to do is win a total of 32 battles in Pokémon UNITE. Zeraora was initially given away as a launch freebie during the game’s Nintendo Switch launch.

New Battle Pass & Unite Squads Also Join the Game

Unite Battle low

Together with the iOS and Android launch, Pokémon UNITE will be kicking off a new battle pass. The space-themed Galactic Ghost 094 battle pass features a cutesy space-themed holowear for Gengar. Of course, as with all battle passes before, it comes with goodies for all players. However, if you want to maximise your winnings, you will have to pay for the pass.

Starting on September 22, 2021, you’ll be able to form Unite Squads with your favourite battle comrades. You’ll be able to interact and chat with squad members directly! There isn’t any indication if voice chat will be a part of this feature.

HP Launches an All-New HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One for Creators

All-in-one PCs has always been very pretty to look at. They are very pretty, but they are usually not the most functional devices to have at home. There is a reason for that though. All-in-one PCs are made with both aesthetics and simplicity in mind. It is built to ensure that your table is as clean as possible with as little things in the way as possible.

But the potential of all-in-one desktop PCs are quite a lot still. The Apple iMac with M1 that was recently launched at least showed a glimpse of what an all-in-one desktop can do. But the Apple iMac is not a purpose-built PC that is made for high-performance gaming or full-time content creation. The new HP Envy all-in-one PC though is a purpose-built machine that is an all-in-one PC that could be in every content creator’s wet dream.

It still features the same clean aesthetics that is fitting of the best-looking all-in-one desktop PCs you can find in the market. The minimalist look is matched with super thin and minimal looking peripherals from HP too. The stealth and slim silhouette of the HP Envy all-in-one PC hides a very powerful internal that you would not find in any other all-in-one.

The new HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One is an imposing machine with an ultra-wide 34-inch display upfront. Upfront is a 5K display (up to), which is highly suitable for photo editors and video editors alike. Even for crucial colour correction work the HP ENVY’s 34-inch displays up to 98% DCI-P3 colour gamut on its 21:9 screen ratio display.

The HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One desktop PC also comes with a 16-Megapixel webcam that you can place anywhere on your display. You can even hang it off the side of the device to point to a drawing pad on your desk. While magnetic webcams are not new, it is kind of a first for HP or even an All-in-One PC device. Additionally, the base of the HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One is also a wireless charging pad.

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Inside the svelte body is a very powerful 8-core 11th generation Intel Core i9-S series processor (up to). This is also a first in an all-in-one PC market. The powerful processor is also paired to an equally powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU (up to). That also means that the HP ENVY is also a decent gaming rig in a tightly packed body that is also your display case.

HP says that the HP 34-inch All-in-One Desktop PC will be available from HP.com starting in October 2021. That is not including Malaysia currently though. When it is available, you can get your hands on one of these for US$ 1,999 (MYR 8,368*).

*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.19 on xe.com as of 22/09/2021

Popular Livestreaming Apps LIVIT, WAVE and 17LIVE Streamlined to 17LIVE

If you’re a fan of live-streamed content, LIVIT shouldn’t be alien to you. After amassing quite the user base since its launch in 2015, the app is undergoing a change in identity. However, it has also, unwittingly created a fractured identity.

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Hirofumi Ono, Global CEO of 17LIVE announcing the streamlining of the apps (Source: 17LIVE)

Having launched initially in Taiwan in 2015, the app launched as 17Live, pronounced “one seven live”. When said in Mandarin – 一七LIVE (yi qi LIVE) – becomes a homonym of 一起LIVE which means Live Together or Together Live. However, as the app grew and began to gain popularity in countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore among others across seven continents, the app’s identity began to splinter. English markets were familiar with LIVIT while the Indonesian market was familiar with WAVE. Other markets, however, knew the same app as 17LIVE.

In honour of its humble origins, the app is now being streamlined as 17LIVE. The rebranding not only gives the app a unified identity but also aligns both the company and app identities. One Seven Live will continue to offer the same experience in their apps which will now be rebranded with a new icon, logo and name. However, the experience in the app will remain familiar.

Pokémon is Revamping their Trading Card Game App

The Pokémon franchise has grown leaps and bounds since its debut more than a decade ago. Not only has it successfully ventured into the MOBA genre, but it’s also revived its core RPG game with new game features and its upcoming release of the much-anticipated title: Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Live 🎮 [SNEAK PEEK] 👀 | Official Trailer

You can add another revival to that list with their latest announcement. The franchise is revamping the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s digital experience. The game which is already available as Pokémon TCG online is getting a much-needed update both aesthetically and in gameplay. The new app called “Pokémon Trading Card Game Live” will be released on Android, iOS, PC and Mac.

The new online experience visually revamps the game bringing it into the future. The biggest, most obvious update is the visual updates which are in the new Pokémon Trading Card Game Live app. Avatars have been updated with more customizability and are in 3D. You’ll be able to customise everything from your skin colour to your eyes and even your clothes. The avatars are also more like Microsoft’s avatars rather than Nintendo’s Miis.

In addition to the revamped graphics, the battle arena is now more interactive and dynamic. It changes when attacks are performed or when arena effects come into play. The interface is also simplified and optimised for the best experience across platforms. Unlike the older Pokémon TCG Online, the layout has been condensed while keeping the focus on your active Pokémon.

Speaking of the older Pokémon TCG Online game, it looks like The Pokémon Company will be sunsetting the older app when Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. However, you don’t have to fret as you can migrate your profile from TCG Online to Live. When you do this, you will take over your collections to the new app but be sure to unpack any boosters you have. It looks like cards from the HeartGold & SoulSilver series and older may not make the cut with the update. However, everything from the Black & White series onwards will be playable eventually. At launch, only packs after the Lost Thunder set will be playable.

Of course, being a free-to-play app, Pokémon Trading Card Game Live will have monetisation aspects to it like Pokémon UNITE. In fact, the monetisation format is so similar, it feels like your seeing double. There will be three in-game currencies: Coins, Credits and Crystals. Coins and Credits will be obtainable in-game. The former will be used for booster packs, decks and aesthetics; while the latter will be initially obtained when moving from TCG Online to Live. After which, it will be awarded as you complete certain milestones in-game. Crystals are where you will have to fork out cash for items. These crystals will be used to buy booster packs, promo cards and more in the shop. It will also be used when you buy the battle pass.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Live will be soft-launched in Canada later this year with a global rollout for iOS, Android, Windows and Mac devices to follow.

Shopee Expands into Food Delivery with ShopeeFood in Malaysia

Shopee is expanding its offering to include food delivery in Malaysia. The popular e-commerce platform is bringing food delivery into its fold in stages starting with the Klang Valley on September 24 2021. ShopeeFood will allow more than 8 million Malaysians located in the Klang Valley to access their favourite food outlets via the Shopee App.

ShopeeFood
Source: Shopee

The service will launch with restaurants like Starbucks, A&W, BurgerKing, Nando’s as well as a number of local food stalls. As part of the launch of ShopeeFood, the company is giving users free delivery with no minimum spend as well as discount vouchers worth up to MYR8. Users will also be able to take advantage MYR10 meals which will be on offer in limited quantities from 24 to 28 September 2021. Shopee will be announcing more ShopeeFood deals on its Instagram throughout the launch.

Users will be able to access the ShopeeFood service via the Shopee App. The new service will appear as an icon on the main page of the Shopee App. Once inside, they will be able to order their food items from outlets in their vicinity. The interface should be familiar to anyone who uses other delivery apps like GrabFood and Foodpanda.

Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival
Source: Shopee

The announcement of ShopeeFood comes together with the platforms build-up to their upcoming 10.10 Brands Festival Day. The October iteration of their monthly sales campaign will see the platform offering even more discounts with their multiple brand partners. Users will also be able to win a Toyota Vios in their Tap and Win contest. As usual, Shopee will be offering Free Shipping Vouchers with a minimum spend of MYR10 and 50% off Big Brand Discounts.

Shopee will also be hosting a number of televised events on channels like Astro Ria, TV3 and its own Shopee Live platform during the sale period. The company has also introduced local celebrity and actor, Alif Satar, as the first of their Malaysian brand Ambassadors.

OnePlus and OPPO Unifies – OnePlus 2.0 Era is Here

OnePlus started out very early on in its life as that one smartphone brand that was a little out of the norm. In its early days, they dubbed their first ever smartphone, the OnePlus One, the ‘flagship killer’. There is a good reason for that. The OnePlus One had killer specs, hardware that you can only find on flagship devices at the time. While remaining at the top of the food chain, they managed to keep prices low. The OnePlus One’s asking price was a fraction of what manufacturers at the time ask for their flagships.

They were a bit of a Cinderella story too, to be fair. The founders of OnePlus, according to legends, left the highly successful and progressive HTC at the time to start the brand. They had to figure out how to design a smartphone and manufacture the devices at ridiculously low prices within just a few months. They delivered the OnePlus One. But they were running off the production line of OPPO, which was understandable. They would not have had the time and money to build their own production line anyway.

OnePlus’ Reliance on OPPO

They have never moved to their own production facility though. That also means that they share the same part bin as OPPO. That is also why over the years, the OPPO flagship devices share plenty of similarities to OnePlus’ own. They usually share the same specs and hardware within their flagship line-up only to differ slightly in terms of how they look. Last year’s flagships were differentiated by Hasselblad’s involvement too.

While we are seeing more and more of OPPO in the other brand, both parties have remained steadfast and committed to staying distinct. They started out with offering CyanogenOS on their devices and later moved to their own OxygenOS. They have also remained distinct by having their own unique design languages. It is not clever for a manufacturing plant to be producing two completely different units of flagships though, so the devices share plenty of similar design cues too.

OnePlus 2.0

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Source: OnePlus

It looks like the next phase for OPPO and OnePlus will not be a unique journey for each brand anymore though. OnePlus have announced their OnePlus 2.0 roadmap. The announcement basically entails that they are now a single entity with OPPO. That also means that while each brand may be selling devices with their own unique branding, the device that comes out of both may not be so unique.

The merge of both companies will cover the entirety of the engineering and development teams. That also means that OPPO and OnePlus will have access to the same patented technologies that may have been kept separate and unique from each brand. The merge will also cover OxygenOS and ColorOS though. According to the announcement, OPPO and OnePlus will be developing a single unified platform that is supposed to be the culmination of the best of both platforms. While the branding will remain separate, the platform’s underlying codes will be similar, which also means you should have similar experiences out of both brands, however they designed the platform. Of course, they are still Android based.

With the announcement also, OnePlus has also confirmed that there will be no new flagship smartphone from them this year. They will not be refreshing the OnePlus 9 in the 9T form. If you want to see a new OnePlus, you will have to wait until next year, in this case.

The Matter of the Merge

While it may not seem like a great thing for one brand, this merge is more beneficial to both OPPO and OnePlus than it may seem. The merger allows OnePlus to and OPPO to gain insights from each other. Both brands have served different market groups and have extensive knowledge on building formidable smartphones. While both brands offer highly distinctive smartphone experiences, they have the ability to offer similar experiences or merge to create a completely new one that could better serve new and old customers alike.

Of course, one cannot ignore the financial benefits that OPPO and OnePlus will be getting from the merger. More money for OnePlus means more development resources. The learnings from Hasselblad will also accelerate OPPO’s camera technology. Obviously, by merging two brands, they are hitting a larger group of audience and buyers.

While all that sounds like a great thing, especially in the battle for supremacy in the smartphone industry, it could easily backfire. Since both brands come from slightly different market segments, internal rife could happen. Engineers from both ends might not agree on how the device should be designed and its capabilities. On the User Interface (UI) end, how OPPO and OnePlus balance having the right features from their own platforms will also be crucial to the success of the merge.

Whatever it is though, it is definitely one of the most interesting development in the industry at this point. While we may not be seeing a smartphone coming out of this merger anytime soon, we can expect OPPO and OnePlus to be a lot more competitive in the flagship smartphone market. At least OPPO and OnePlus are optimistic about the merge, we should be too.

Samsung Galaxy Z series & Tab S7 FE Debut in Malaysia

Samsung’s flagship lineups are being bolstered in Malaysia with the official launch of the Galaxy Z series and the Tab S7 FE. The company’s third-generation of foldable smartphones is finally becoming commercially available alongside the more affordable Galaxy Tab S7 FE in Malaysia.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 Arrive in Malaysia

Spearheading Samsung’s new lineup of devices is the two third-generation foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Z Flip3 and the Galaxy Z Fold3. The two new entries were announced internationally early last month. The Flip3 and Fold3 sold out their pre-order last week and are now making their way officially to shelves.

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Source: Samsung

Of course, Samsung’s foldable smartphones aren’t just pretty, they come packed with the latest technology. The company has brought its S-Pen technology to the Galaxy Z Fold3 bolstering its capacity for productivity. The Z Flip3 on the other hand gains a larger cover display making it more functional when closed.

You can get a full rundown of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 in our coverage of their initial announcements.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 SE Brings Affordable Productivity to Tab Lineup

Samsung’s FE lineup continues to weave its magic. This time with the Galaxy Tab series. The new entry – the Galaxy Tab S7 SE – continues to stride the fine line between features and affordability.

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The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 SE continues to bring the power many users crave when it comes to tablets. It packs a Snapdragon 750G processor which brings it top of the line connectivity and processing speeds. This is paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of onboard storage with support for a microSD card.

In addition, it comes with a WQXGA display with a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels. It also has support for the S-Pen which is included in the box. The tablet also has support for Dolby Atmos with speakers that are tuned by AKG.

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Of course, Samsung’s new approach to tablets isn’t all about media consumption. The Tab S7 FE continues this ethos with support for DeX and a myriad of other productivity centred tools.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z series will be available starting on 22 September 2021. They will be launching with a special promo which ends on 31 October 2021. Details are per the table below:

ModelColoursRRPExclusive Gift(s)
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (512GB)Phantom Black Phantom Green Phantom SilverRM7,099Samsung Care+ 1Year Plan worth RM799
Samsung Online Store eVoucher worth RM500
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (256GB)Phantom Black Phantom Green Phantom SilverRM6,699Samsung Care+ 1Year Plan worth RM799
Samsung Online Store eVoucher worth RM500
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G (256GB)Phantom Black Cream Lavender GreenRM4,199Samsung Care+ 1Year Plan worth RM699
Samsung Online Store eVoucher worth RM350
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G (128GB)Phantom Black Cream Lavender GreenRM3,999Samsung Care+ 1Year Plan worth RM699
Samsung Online Store eVoucher worth RM350

In addition to the offers during the launch, Samsung is also offering a purchase with purchase promo for Galaxy Z series accessories. From 14th September until 31 October 2021, users who purchase a Samsung Galaxy Z series device will be entitled to a 30% discount on up to three accessories for their device.

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE is now available for purchase in Malaysia. It will be available in Black, Silver and Light Pink. There will be two variants on sale: the 4GB+64GB version which will retail at MYR1,899 and the 6GB+128GB version which will retail for MYR2,199.

From now until 31 October 2021, purchases of the Galaxy Tab S7 FE will be entitled to free gifts depending on the specification bought. The 6GB+64GB version will be entitled to a Book Cover while the 6GB+128GB version will be entitled to an additional Smart Keyboard Trio 500.