Category Archives: News

Microsoft Unbundles Teams from Office 365 Globally

Microsoft seems to be standardising the uncoupling of Teams from Microsoft 365 to global markets. The move comes a few months after the company was forced to unbundle the app from its productivity suite – Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Microsoft claims that the move will provide added flexibility and purchasing choices when it comes to using its productivity suite globally.

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Photo by Ed Hardie on Unsplash

Teams was introduced in 2017 and grew in popularity over the course of the pandemic as one of the company’s answers to remote work and productivity. However, in 2020, Slack – one of Team’s main competitors – petitioned the EU alleging anticompetitive behaviour by Microsoft. The complaint alleged that it used its market-dominant Office 365 suite to push installs for Teams and force users to install it without the ability to remove it. This bundling was seen as an anticompetitive act suffocating competition. This complaint has led to ongoing antitrust investigations into the company concerning Teams in the European Union (EU).

The unbundling of Teams from Microsoft 365 comes months into the investigation. It was initially rolled out in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Now, Microsoft seems to be standardising the unbundling globally both to align with the feedback from the European Commission and to preempt any further legal action that could result from the bundling of Teams in Microsoft 365.

Moving forward, Teams will be offered independently and as part of Microsoft 365 bundles. The app will be offered for USD$5.25 (RM24.95) monthly. Office without teams will be priced at USD$7.75 (RM36.84) to USD$54.75 (RM260.23) depending on the package. The pricing seems to be in line with the EEA pricing. However, it’s worth noting that global pricing has not been released officially.

Samsung Launches New TV Lineup With AI Front and Center

Samsung’s new OLED and QLED TVs for 2024 are headed your way. This year, like its S24 series, AI is the mainstay. Behind these new AI features are a new duo of processors: the NQ8 AI Gen3 processor and the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor. Both of the processors bring a slew of improvements that help power a better, more immersive experience with Samsung’s new QLED and OLED TVs respectively.

Samsung AI TVs 2024

Samsung’s new NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor comes with improvements that allow for better upscaling of content to 8K resolution. The processor brings double the NPU performance and allows for quicker on-device AI processing. Samsung is leveraging this to bring better depth and detail to upscaled content. This includes increased contrast for better image depth and visual immersion and even intelligent audio processing for better content immersion. The processor will be included in Samsung’s flagship Neo QLED 8K TV specifically the QN900D lineup. The QN800D will be running on the NQ8 AI Gen 2 Processor. However, both lineups will be coming with 8K resolution and be available in 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes.

Screenshot 2024 03 28 at 17 18 39 Samsung Malaysia

Samsung’s new Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED and OLED TV lineups are leaning heavily on AI. This year, AI is playing a part in three main categories: AI Picture, AI Sound and AI Optimisation. We’ve already covered the main features of AI pictures.

AI Sound comes with Samsung’s Q-symphony feature and also its robust line up of new soundbars and frame speakers. The AI Sound will be able to dynamically adapt to provide the best. most immersive sound with the content on the screen. One of the highlights is dialogue enhancement where the TV can intelligently detect and optimize the audio to isolate and lift dialogue for clarity. It will also be able to generate on-screen subtitles which can be moved through gestures for the auditorily impaired. Sound is also optimised with Adapt Sound Pro which automatically adjusts to fit your content while Object Tracking Sound Pro will ensure your sound emanates from the objects on screen giving you a more realistic and immersive sound experience. Both AI Picture and AI Sound will also automatically adjust the volume and brightness of your TV according to the conditions of the room. If your room is being vacuumed, the volume will be increased so you don’t miss a thing. Watching in a dark room? The brightness and contrast will be optimized for the most immersive experience.

AI Optimization comes with Auto Game mode this year. The new feature will allow your Samsung AI TV to kick on game mode, increasing the contrast and brightness of your display to give a more immersive gaming experience without the need to open menus. It will do this automatically when you turn on your gaming console. It will also play a part in helping keep your setup more green with AI Energy Mode which automatically optimizes the TV’s power profile based on your usage.

The same features are also coming to Samsung’s OLED and NEO OLED TV lineup. However, the biggest difference will be that these lineups will be running on the NQ4 AI Gen2 processors. The processors offer significant performance enhancements over its predecessor. Samsung is also introducing Glare Free technology in its OLED lineup that will ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your content even under harsh lighting.

Screenshot 2024 03 28 at 17 38 50 Unbox Discover 2024 A New Era of Samsung AI TV I Samsung

Samsung’s TV lineup continues to run on its Tizen OS. This year, the company continues to push interconnectivity and IoT with the TV as the main interaction surface. The new generation of Samsung TVs will be able to intelligently interact with your Samsung phones to allow you to control your TV or even game using Samsung’s built-in Gaming Hub. It will also allow you to control other IoT devices through the SmartThings App and dashboard.

While Samsung hasn’t announced any availability details just yet. We won’t be surprised to see the new lineup make its Malaysian debut in the near future.

Marvel Rivals Throws Your Favourite Characters into a PvP Shooter

Marvel and NetEase have just announced a brand new game – Marvel Rivals. The new PvP shooter will throw your favourite Marvel heroes and villains into the arena as Doctor Doom and his future counterpart wreak havoc on the timestream. The game leans into the familiar aesthetics and feel of games like Overwatch and Valorant. It will also feature an original story crafted by the team at NetEase.

Marvel Rivals | Official Announcement Trailer
Marvel Rivals Announcement Trailer

From what Marvel Games and NetEase have revealed, Marvel Rivals will be a third person shooter. The game will feature a robust roster of heroes and villians including familiar faces from The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy and even Marvel’s X-Men. Characters like Black Panther, Spider-Man, Magneto and Magik have already been revealed for the upcoming Alpha test scheduled for May.

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Gameplay seems to build on the PvP gameplay we’ve seen in games like Overwatch and Valorant. Players will be able to play as their favourite Marvel heroes and villains to take out the opposing. Think of it as having your own Civil War battles like in the movies or comics. The 6v6 setup will allow you to also create combo attacks and synergies between heroes. In the trailer, Marvel and NetEase showed off The Hulk powering up Iron Man with Gamma rays to produce a devastating blast and Rocket jumping on Groot to take on a group of enemies. There seems to be more hero synergies possible in the game which we will have to discover when the game launches.

Marvel Rivals will also feature a diverse and evolving set of maps. These will cover familiar places like Asgard to story specific places like Tokyo in 2099. As you play, you’ll also be able to use the environment to get an edge on your enemies. You’ll be able to corner enemies by taking down walls or even set traps as you prepare your hero synergy to deliver a devastating blow.

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The game is billed as a free to play game coming to the PC soon. So, if history is any indicator, we can expect some form of microtransaction for monetisation. Hopefully, it will be less offensive than NetEase’s mobile games. That said, Marvel Rivals will be available in Alpha starting May 2024. There’s no word on the actual release yet.

Samsung Refreshes the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite for 2024 with the Exynos 1280

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab lineup has been one of the most consistent and feature-packed tablets in the Android ecosystem. While that may be changing with more manufacturers entering the arena, the company is still releasing new tablets with its Galaxy Tab S and Galaxy Tab A lineups. Only recently, the company released its latest Galaxy Tab S9 series but it seems like another tablet is finding it hard to stay down.

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In a global announcement, Samsung has announced a refresh to the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. This will be the second refresh to the tablet that was released back in 2020. It received its previous refresh in 2022 when the tablet shifted to Qualcom’s Snapdragon platform. However, this year, it looks like Samsung is shifting its processor back to the homegrown Exynos 1280. The new processor is an octa-core processor with support for Bluetooth 5.3 and also AI features. It will be running One UI 6.1 atop Android 14.

Screenshot 2024 03 27 at 20 05 52 Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

Design-wise, it looks similar to its 2022 counterpart with a 10.4-inch LCD with an FHD+ resolution of 2,000×1200 pixels. The display is surrounded by a symmetrical 7mm bezel. The tablet will continue to sport a single 8-megapixel camera on the back and a 5-megapixel camera up front. It also comes with a 3.5mm earphone jack and support for WiFi 802.11 ac. The biggest change with the new Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is the increase in memory capacity. It now supports configurations with 64GB and 128GB of internal memory with support for more memory via microSD card. RAM, however, remains at 4GB.

Pricing & Availability

According to the announcement, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) will be available globally starting 28 March 2024. It will be available in both WiFi and LTE configurations in Chiffon Pink, Oxford Gray and Mint.

No official pricing has been announced at the time of writing. However, it seems like it will be coming to Malaysia thanks to a SIRIM database entry found by LowYat.net.

Galaxy AI Comes to Older Devices with One UI 6.1 Update starting March 28

Samsung’s One UI 6.1 is one of the biggest software updates that the company has released in a while. While it’s not a big visual update, it will be bringing Galaxy AI to older devices albeit in a more limited fashion. That said, it’s taken the smartphone manufacturer a little bit longer than it usually does to roll out the update. That ends on March 28, 2024, with the initial rollout of One UI 6.1 to some of the company’s older devices.

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The devices that are slated to get the update so far are the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, the Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+ and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Yes, these are basically Samsung’s 2023 devices. These devices will be receiving the full Galaxy AI suite including circle to search, live translate and interpreter, generative editing, and Chat Assist.

002 New One UI 61 Update Brings Galaxy AI to More Galaxy Devices

The update will bring these devices on par with the Galaxy S24 series when it comes to software features. In fact, the Galaxy Tab S9 series will be the first tablets in Samsung’s lineup to get the update. It will be interesting to see how the software changes the experience on the Tab series moving forward.

Ninja Van Celebrates 9 Years with the Launch of Ninja Restock

Ninja Van is introducing a new service, Ninja Restock, in conjunction with its 9th anniversary. The new service is a natural evolution of the company’s logistics services but aims to disrupt the logistics arena with years of fast-paced e-commerce know-how.

Screenshot 2024 03 26 at 21 58 08 Retail Inventory Restock Service Ninja Van MY

The new Ninja Restock service will enable businesses to better manage both stock and availability across platforms. It will also enable businesses to manage liquidity. The B2B (business-to-business) service will allow brands and retailers to have better visibility of stock levels with integrated last-mile delivery services with competitive rates based on universally accepted CBM measurements.

Ninja Restock will leverage Ninja Van’s extensive network of warehouses and extensive last-mile delivery fleet. Businesses, retailers and e-tailers will be able to accommodate services like same-day deliveries and keep delivery timelines in check. They will also be able to have better visibility with a better-integrated system that will allow them to track deliveries and orders. This includes real-time monitoring of deliveries. It will also be able to provide more flexibility to businesses to supply and receive stock according to their needs.

The new service is already being offered by Ninja Van on its website. Ninja Van is touting the service as the first in the B2B restocking space and is confident that its roots in e-commerce express deliveries will give it an edge in fulfilling the promises its making with Ninja Restock.

BlackBerry CyberSecurity Centre of Excellence Launched in Malaysia

BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Launch 2
From L-R: Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din, Chairman, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Azam Baki, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, His Excellency Wayne Robson, High Commissioner of Canada, Yang Berhormat Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications of Malaysia, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honourable Mrs. Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada, Yang Berbahagia Datuk Mohamad Fauzi bin Md. Isa, Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Raja Nushirwan bin Zainal Abidin, Director General, National Security Council, Mr. John J. Giamatteo, Chief Executive Officer, BlackBerry at the grand opening of the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE).

BlackBerry is probably a brand that most Millenials are familiar with. The first thing to come to mind is keyboard-laden smartphones with one of the most secure operating systems – BlackBerry OS. However, since the company’s unfortunate rounding up of its mobile business, BlackBerry Limited (previously Research in Motion) has been hard at work carving out a new niche for its security expertise as a Cybersecurity company. In fact, the company has been prospering in this nice with acquisitions of companies like Encription in the UK to enhance its cybersecurity offerings.


“In this digital age, the global need for innovative cyber security solutions continues to grow. I’m pleased that Canada’s expertise in this area is helping to create a safer cyberspace in Malaysia. Today’s announcement by BlackBerry is a clear example of how Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is supporting efforts to reduce and address security threats in the region,”

The Honourable Mary Ng, Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.


The company is also the cornerstone in a ongoing diplomatic agreement between Canada and Malaysia. With a rich 36-year diplomatic relationship, Malaysia is playing a part as country coordinator for Canada in establishing a free trade agreement with the region. This has led to Canada playing a key role in helping Malaysia address the skills gap as it strives to become the region’s leader in digital technologies.


Anwar Ibrahim
Source: Twitter

“Being more than a facility to help train and upskill our national cyber workforce, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence has the potential to be an international destination to address emerging cyber threats. We can bring together Malaysian and Canadian universities, research institutions and skilled practitioners to share knowledge, threat intelligence and jointly develop methods and strategies to strengthen national and regional cyber-resilience.”

YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia


BlackBerry Limited is launching its Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Cyberjaya, Malaysia as a part of these efforts. The Center of Excellence is situated a stone’s throw away from Malaysia’s administrative capital and offices of MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation). The establishment of this Center of Excellence is also a part of a landmark deal between BlackBerry Limited and the Malaysian government inked at the recent APEC Conference in November 2023.

BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Launch 1
Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, addressing the audience at the launch of the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.

The BlackBerry CyberSecurity Center of Excellence will be focusing on the education, certification and capacity building focusing on the cybersecurity sector. It will also serve as a center for collaboration between Canadian and Malaysian institutions of education and research and professionals.


John Giamatteo BB Limited
Source: LinkedIN

“Building resilience to cyber-attacks requires a whole-of-society effort. The new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence stands as a testament to how nations and technology leaders can work together to address the dual challenge of cybercrime and skills shortages.”

John Giamatteo, CEO of BlackBerry Limited


The Center will also provide training in BlackBerry Cybersecurity Curriculum. This is a first for the region. It will offer a wide range of globally recognized courses and certifications to help train and grow the skilled talent available in the region. Naturally, the establishment of the Center of Excellence will also lend itself to the upskilling and training of the reported shortfall of about 12,000 cybersecurity professionals in the region. The curriculum offered at Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence will also include upskilling in areas such as Machine Learning and AI as well as highly specialised courses by the SANS Institute, Canada’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and other recognized partners. It will also be offering select scholarships to empower women in the cybersecurity arena.

Courses are already available for registration at the center. If you’re interested, you can sign up here. The first online course will be commencing in May 2024 with scholarships available for 3 qualified female leaders in cybersecurity in connection with the Toronto Metropolitan University. The first certification will be provided by the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst.

GX Bank Champions Financial Inclusivity & Literacy This Ramadhan

GX Bank, one of Malaysia’s first digital banks, is 100 days into operation. In these 100 days, the digital bank has crystalised its brand purpose and goals to champion financial inclusivity and literacy in Malaysia’s B40 and the underserved. To that end, GX Bank has unveiled Impian GIGih, an initiative targeted at uplifting Malaysia’s B40 class and empowering Malaysia’s Gig workers.

GXBank and Impian GIGih partners MYDIN and GoBarakah
From left to right: Hildah Hamzah, Chief of Staff, GXBank, Fadrizul Hasani, Chief Technology Officer, GXBank, Datuk Wira (Dr) Haji Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director, MYDIN, Pei Si Lai, Chief Executive Officer, GXBank, [From GoBarakah] Azrin Ajib, Audri Zin, Firdaus Mohamed (centre, back), Irhzan Mohd Nor

The new Impian GIGih programme takes a sharp focus on Malaysia’s Gig economy, Gig workers and the B40 segment. Through the initiative, GX Bank wants to provide tailored, equitable and inclusive access to financial services to these segments. It also looks to ensure educational accessibility by alleviating the cost of education for underserved families and the B40. It will also work to empower more Malaysians to make better informed financial decisions and planning through financial literacy initiatives.

Impian GIGih Kelantan

The programme’s pilot was undertaken in February 2024 with partners MYDIN and GoBarakah. GX Bank and its partners distributed physical and virtual bursaries to the underprivileged. Together with this, GX bank also distributed 500 back-to-school kits to children of B40 families and Grab drivers in Kelantan and Johor Bahru respectively. GoBarakah allowed the “digital” in digital banking to be realised through e-vouchers through its platform. These vouchers could then be used to buy school essentials year-round. GX Bank has also pushed the bar further with scholarships for tertiary studies. These scholarships were offered to children of gig workers and B40 homes. It’s hoped that these scholarships will help uplift these families from poverty.

These efforts are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the efforts that are being put forward by GX Bank. The digital bank has also put out a brand video, “Sepoket Impian” to help communicate its brand purpose and its efforts to uplift and empower the underserved, gig workers and Malaysia’s B40 segment.

Impian GIGih Johor

The digital bank will also be championing financial literacy at its upcoming “Singgah di Semua Bersama GX Bank” happening on March 23, 2024, at Semua House in the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. GX Bank will also be partnering with Euronet, Idemia, Mastercard, Onfido and PayNet for the event. The event takes place from 2 pm to 7 pm.

Acerpure Pro P3 Brings HEPA Filters with UV-C for Cleaner Indoor Air

Acer’s foray into lifestyle and appliances gets even more extensive with a brand-new addition to the company’s air purifier portfolio. The new Acerpure Pro P3 Air Purifier ups the ante with more robust features and better purifying technology. It’s also bringing a mix advanced technology and smart features paired with elegant design.

The new Acerpure Pro P3 is the company’s most robust air purifier yet. It uses the new HEPA13 four-layer protection system. The HEPA 13 standard of filtration filters out microbes and particles that 0.2microns in diameter – that’s about 1/10 the diameter or thickness of a human hair. Paired with UV-C light, the purifier should be able to only do away with harmful microbes, but also eliminate odours that can occur in air purifiers.

Acerpure Pro P3 UVC Air Purifier PR Banner

The Pro P3 also comes equipped with a PM2.5 sensor which allows it to detect particles in the air as fine as 2.5 microns. This sensor is complemented by a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) sensor that measures the air for harmful gases and vapours. It can also measure real-time CO2 levels, a first for Acerpure’s air purifier line up. Both VOC and real-time CO2 are important indicators of indoor air quality and indoor pollution.

These levels can be monitored via the Acerpure Life application. Even if there are high levels of VOCs or CO2 the Acerpure Pro P3 will be able to purify the air quickly with its 700cmh CADR. It can cover spaces of up to 110m2 effortlessly making it suited for spacious living rooms, bedrooms or open offices. It’s silent 24dB sound levels will also ensure that it doesn’t add to the noise levels of your space, keeping it serene and calm. It’s also energy efficient with a DC motor that allows it conserve energy while pushing through more air than AC motors.

You know that saying “quiet charm”? The Acerpure Pro P3 is the embodiment of this with its silent operation and elegant design. Coming in an alluring black with copper accents, it’s made to blend in seamlessly or stand out gregariously depending on your style. But, it won’t take away from your room’s aesthetics thanks to its minimalist design.

Pricing & Availability

The Acerpure Pro P3 is available from the Acer eStore and the Acerpure store on Shopee for RM5,599. If you’re lucky and are one of the first 40 units sold before March 31, 2024, you’ll be able to get more than RM2,500 worth of gifts including an Acer Aspire 3 laptop worth RM2,499 and and Acer Urban Backpack worth RM59.

Acerpure is also having attractive offers in conjunction with Hari Raya. The Acerpure Raya promos have kicked off on March 20, 2024 and will run until May 19, 2024. If you purchase eligible products during this period, you could be in the running to get an RM8,000 Ikea voucher, Acer laptops, All-in-One PCs and more. You will also need to complete an entry form to take part.

Cisco’s Acquisition of Splunk: A Game-Changer in Data Management and Security

Cisco has announced the acquisition of Splunk for a whopping USD$28 billion. Cisco’s acquisition of Splunk marks a pivotal moment in data management and security. With the ink now dry on the deal, Cisco is equipped to change the way organizations harness data to navigate the digital landscape.

In today’s digital age, connectivity and security are paramount. Companies need to seamlessly integrate their people, applications, and devices while safeguarding against cybersecurity threats and downtime. With Splunk now in its arsenal, Cisco is set to deliver an unmatched level of visibility and insights across the entire digital footprint of organizations.

Cisco Splunk New Day

Chuck Robbins, Chair and CEO of Cisco, expressed excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the transformative potential it holds. By leveraging data in innovative ways, Cisco aims to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions and safeguard their operations in the age of artificial intelligence.

Gary Steele, Executive Vice President of Splunk, echoed Robbins’ sentiment, highlighting the unparalleled value that Cisco will bring to customers worldwide with Splunk’s innovative technologies. The coming together of Cisco and Splunk will provide comprehensive visibility and insights, enabling organizations to enhance resilience and tackle the most complex challenges head-on.

With the convergence of Cisco’s network expertise and Splunk’s cutting-edge solutions, customers can expect a slew of benefits across security, observability, networking, and AI. Together, Cisco and Splunk will offer a holistic suite of solutions that streamline operations, enhance security, and drive business value.

Industry experts have lauded the merger, recognizing its potential to unlock new levels of business value. Stephen Elliot from IDC emphasized the transformative nature of the combination, while Julie Sweet from Accenture expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to drive innovation for clients.

Looking ahead, customers can anticipate a wave of new product innovations as Cisco integrates Splunk’s capabilities into its portfolio. These innovations will be showcased at upcoming events, including Cisco Live and .conf24, providing customers with a glimpse into the future of data management and security.

In terms of the transaction details, Cisco acquired Splunk for $157 per share in cash, amounting to approximately USD$28 billion in equity value. The transaction is expected to drive revenue growth and margin expansion for Cisco, positioning the company for long-term success in the evolving digital landscape.

With the completion of the acquisition, Cisco and Splunk are ready to embark on a new chapter of innovation and collaboration. Together, they are poised to redefine the standards of data management and security, empowering organizations to thrive in the digital age.