Category Archives: News

Consumer Electronics, Health, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

The Black Shark S1 Pro Smartwatch is Now Available in Malaysia.

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Black Shark S1 Pro

Black Shark, a known gaming and tech brand, has recently launched its flagship smartwatch in Malaysia, the Black Shark S1 Pro. Packed with impressive features and a rugged design, this smartwatch aims to cater to the needs of tech-savvy Malaysians.

The Black Shark S1 Pro boasts a rugged design, making it suitable for outdoor activities. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixels resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and up to 600 nits peak brightness. The watch is also rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, making it a wonderful wearable for any adventure and still holds up, whether water or dust.

Besides that, the smartwatch offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. It includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement, sleep tracking, and gaming health monitoring. With over 150 watch faces and more than 100 fitness modes, users can personalise their experience and track their activities effectively.

But that is not the best part. The most interesting feature of this smartwatch is that it is equipped with a built-in voice assistant powered by Chat GPT. The Chat GPT integration allows this voice assistant to answer various questions that the user can think from serious to mere random. These nifty features can be used for quick information and assistance, no matter when and where.

Black Shark S1 Pro Smartwatch pricing

Furthermore, the Black Shark S1 Pro offers Bluetooth-based calling and notifications, allowing users to stay connected without reaching for their smartphones. It also supports NFC for convenient contactless payments. Regarding battery life, the smartwatch can last up to 15 days of regular use and up to 30 days on extended standby, ensuring long-lasting performance.

The Black Shark S1 Pro is available in Malaysia in two colour options: Black and Blue. It is priced at RM399 and can be bought from their official stores on Lazada and Shopee

Entertainment, iOS, Lifestyle, News

Apple TV gets a Major Makeover

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Attention all Apple TV fans! At long last, the time has come. Designed to make your viewing experience even more fluid and enjoyable, Apple has launched a new look for the Apple TV app after weeks of beta testing.

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Searching through seemingly infinite menus and categories is a thing of the past. With its redesigned user interface and convenient sidebar, the app is now easier than ever to use. Apple TV+ originals, Major League Soccer Season Pass, a vast collection of films and TV shows for sale or rental, and your favourite channels and apps like Disney+, Paramount+, and Max are all at your fingertips.

Browse categories like “New Shows & Movies,” “Top Charts,” “Trending,” and “For You” under the revamped “Home” section. Using this selected collection, you can be confident that you will always have access to the most recent releases, best sellers, and personalised suggestions.

The updated software is helpful for more than simply its users. With the new profile function, families with more than one Apple TV user can now get suggestions tailored to their tastes. Toggle between profiles on the tablet in your living room; you can find your recommendations and carefully selected the “ Up Next “list.

Exciting new features for the Store tab are also part of the redesigned Apple TV app. With the recent merger of TV shows and films, finding a new series to binge-watch has never been more straightforward. Discover many popular streaming services on your Apple TV by adding a specialised Add Channels & Apps shelf.

With this update, the standalone apps for iTunes Movies and TV Shows also end as users will be redirected to the Apple TV app instead if they purchase or rent out movies or shows. Rumours have built that Apple has plans on making Apple TV into a streaming Hub for everything and not just Apple TV Plus.

Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Messenger Gets a Security Makeover Among Others Updates.

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Facebook META messenger encryption

Great news for everyone concerned about their privacy, especially those frequent users of Messenger. End-to-end encryption is now the default for one-on-one conversations and calls on Facebook Messenger. This means your interactions will be safe from curious and privy eyes.

End-to-end encryption was once an optional feature on Messenger, but this latest update is now the standard. This is a significant change, albeit a positive one for the messenger app, as its users can feel more secure with their messages and conversations that are now under lock and key, and their messages will be automatically protected, too, with no need to turn on the option.

With end-to-end encryptions, no matter who you are conversing with, all the contents of your message are protected and unable to be intercepted. Not even Meta can access them unless specifically reported.

Nothing else to worry about as all the messenger functions will stay the same, so you can still use all your favourite features. Features like themes, custom reactions, and other messenger tools will still be accessible in encrypted chats.

Of course, the implementation of this adjustment will take some time. So don’t be concerned if you haven’t seen the changeover yet. It will happen gradually over the following months. While Messenger’s chats are now encrypted by default, this isn’t applied to Instagram chats yet. Currently, they are still unencrypted by default. However, Meta has stated that this feature will be included “shortly after” the launch of encrypted Messenger.

This shift towards end-to-end encryption is part of a more significant trend in the tech sector. For a good reason, an increasing number of messaging systems are making the switch. It is simply the best approach to ensure your chats remain private and secure, which is only meant between you and the others messaging.

Among the exciting shift in security for messenger chats they are also adding some new features that are sure to have messenger users jumping with joy as they are much needed after so long. Some new features also being implemented are the ability to edit messages sent under 15 minutes, similar to WhatsApp. So, no longer will you have to delete or resend a message. You can now just as easily edit it through the original one.

01 Edit a Message
02 Edit a Message

Besides that, they are also adding disappearing messages, which will last about 24 hours after it is sent, so this will ensure more secure or private messaging scenes for those who would not have a specific message kept for long. And they are also implementing a screenshot security feature, so if anyone were to try to take a screenshot of your disappearing message, you will be notified of the actions.

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Disappearing messages on Messenger

Messenger is also adding a way for users to finally control their read receipts, so instead of turning off the entire thing, users can now decide if they want others to see if they have read their messages. Lastly, Meta is proud to announce that with these updates on Messenger, they have upgraded the quality of images and videos sent in Messenger.

04 HD Media on Messenger
05 HD Media on Messenger

They are also testing an HD media and file-sharing feature to improve its quality for messenger users continuously. Among that, they are also adding a feature that will allow the user to fast forward their voice messages up to 1.5 or 2X speed and the ability to navigate away from the chat while listening to the voice message. Currently, these are the most significant updates and improvements done to Messenger in a long time and were much needed.

News

Acer Ups Its Environmental Efforts with the Acer Aspire Vero 16 & A Commitment to Phase Out Carbon Credits

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As Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) is becoming an increasingly hot topic, Acer is looking to lead the tech industry with a renewed commitment to effectively reduce its carbon footprint. In fact, the company gunning for carbon neutrality with its upcoming Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) laptop. The Aspire Vero has already broken new ground in the usage of recycled materials used in the laptop. However, Acer is looking to make the product a truly carbon-neutral one.

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The Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) will be leading the company’s charge into carbon neutrality. Starting from its manufacturing every step of the process will be optimised. Materials and partners for the laptop will be part of this effort. A top-to-toe audit and revamp of its processes to align with international standards for carbon footprint calculation and neutrality.

An En-Vero-mentally Conscious Approach from Top-to-Toe

Jerry Kao, Acer Inc.’s COO, emphasized the company’s focus on ‘conscious technology’ designed with a future-forward approach. The Aspire Vero series has been a pioneer in eco-conscious design from its inception. The Aspire Vero 16 continues this legacy by minimizing its carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. This starts from manufacturing and even includes packaging and end-of-life recycling.

The laptop’s chassis has been a standout when it comes to sustainable design. From the get-go, recycled plastic has been used in manufacturing the Vero. With the Aspire Vero 16, the percentage of recycled plastic has increased to over 60% – a significant increase from the previous generation. It is free from volatile organic compounds, paint, or additives, contributing to a cleaner environment. The recycled materials are not only in the chassis either, the touchpad also incorporates ocean-bound plastic.

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It’s not just about materials either, Acer’s Aspire Vero is also designed to be easily taken apart for repairs and upgrades. This conscious design also allows the laptop to be recycled more effectively.

Working to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Even in Usage

On the technology side of things, Acer has integrated the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processors into the Aspire Vero 16, ensuring better power efficiency compared to its predecessors. The addition of Intel AI Boost, an integrated neural processing unit (NPU), brings AI-powered capabilities with extreme energy efficiency, aligning with Acer’s green vision.

Even when it comes to power management, the laptop comes with AcerSense software. This software in the Aspire Vero 16 focuses on energy efficiency. It offers four performance modes: Eco+, Eco, Balanced, and Performance, allowing users to optimize power consumption based on their needs.

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To address the environmental impact of packaging, Acer is adopting sustainable practices. The company recycles scrap materials created during production, and the laptop’s packaging is 100% recyclable. The thoughtful design also includes the 100% recycled FSC-certified paper box that can be easily repurposed.

In shipping, Acer has partnered with like-minded logistics providers. These providers are reducing carbon emissions from standard shipping of sea containers through the use of biofuel on various routes. After implementing these emission reduction measures, Acer will retire high-quality carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality.

Acer’s renewed approach to sustainability and environmental stewardship comes amidst increasing criticism from watchdogs and environmentalists towards companies relying on carbon credits for sustainability efforts. Acer’s approach to ‘conscious technology’ is the first to date that aims to retire carbon credits and instead rely on impactful changes throughout the processes of manufacturing, transport and even disposal of products.

Accessories, Android, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Prepare to be AMBUSHed by Style with a New Accessory for the OPPO Find N3 Flip

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Are you ready to be AMBUSH-ed with a stylish OPPO Find N3 Flip? OPPO is collaborating with renowned fashion house AMBUSH for an accessory that will lock you in. While not a full on special edition, the new collaboration will get you lock, stock and barrel with a stylish new case for the N3 Flip.

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The new case showcases the design prowess of YOON, the Creative Director at AMBUSH. It’s also the latest in a growing lineup of fashion-centric cases to complement what is turning out to be one of the best foldables on the market – the OPPO Find N3 Flip. The OPPO x AMBUSH FLIPPED PADLOCK is a smartphone case meticulously crafted for the OPPO Find N3 Flip and pushes stylish self expressionism to the next level.

The OPPO x AMBUSH FLIPPED PADLOCK isn’t your run-of-the-mill phone case. It’s a fashion statement. Crafted under the watchful eye of YOON, the case draws inspiration from the Heart Padlock Bag, resulting in a chic, pink masterpiece that snugly cradles the OPPO Find N3 Flip. It’s more than just protection; it’s an accessory that demands attention.

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This collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a marriage of cutting-edge tech and avant-garde fashion. The union of OPPO and AMBUSH® isn’t just superficial; it’s a deep dive into the synergy between innovative technology and trendsetting design. The OPPO Find N3 Flip is the canvas, and YOON’s design is the brushstroke that turns it into a work of art.

Pricing & Availability:

The big question: When and where can you get your hands on this fashion-tech marvel? Well, the OPPO X AMBUSH FLIPPED PADLOCK is making its grand entrance in December in various Asian markets, including China, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Starting from December 12th, this exclusive case will be up for grabs alongside the purchase of the Find N3 Flip at selected My OPPO Space and the OPPO Official Online Store. It’s more than a case; it’s a style revolution, and it’s about to hit the scene in full force.

News

Google Bard gets an Upgrade with Gemini Pro.

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Gemini


By integrating Gemini, a state-of-the-art AI model, into its Bard chatbot, Google is making its virtual assistant smarter and more adept. According to Google, with its improved reasoning, planning, and comprehending capabilities, Bard is now in a solid position to compete with ChatGPT.

Ultra, Pro, and Nano are the three varieties of Gemini. From cell phones to servers, these variations cover it all. Bard has a two-stage deployment. At first, it will receive an initial performance bump from Gemini Pro, and its abilities will spread next year. They hope to introduce Bard Advance, powered by Gemini Ultra, the most powerful version of Google’s LLM.

Gemini Pro has passed all eight benchmark tests, including six conducted before the big announcement, beating GPT-3.5. Even though GPT-3.5 has been around for over a year, Google maintains that Bard with Gemini Pro is the best free chatbot, according to independent tests. After undergoing a Gemini makeover, Bard can better comprehend and summarise information and reason, generate ideas, and plan to meet the user’s needs. Google claims a vast improvement, the most notable quality boost since Bard’s release.

Although Bard with Gemini Pro initially only supports word-based prompts, Google plans to integrate graphics, text, and more soon to provide multimodal help. When Bard Advanced makes its appearance in 2024, showing off Gemini Ultra, that’s when things heat up. Bard becomes an adaptable AI that can process code, graphics, audio, and video in this version.

In the following months, Gemini will power in several Google products and services, including Chrome, Ads, and Duet AI. The business will test out Gemini in Search to streamline and improve your web browsing experience. Besides that, Gemini Ultra and Bard Advanced guarantee a revolutionary AI experience—the capacity of Bard Advanced to comprehend and process various forms of data, including code. Before the wider launch, Google intends to implement a trusted tester programme to guarantee customer safety.

Now accessible in more than 170 countries in English, Bard with Gemini Pro is perfect for anyone looking to plunge headfirst into the upgraded Bard experience. Explore the improved chatbot at your leisure while Europe waits.

Android, Mobile, News

iQOO 12 Brings the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to Malaysia for RM3,399

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Vivo‘s gaming-centric sub-brand, iQOO, is earning its keep as a gaming brand with its brand new iQOO 12 flagship. The smartphone not only brings a whole new level of gaming performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3; but also reinvigorates the brand as a performance-centric experience for gamers.

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The iQOO 12 ditches the drab, budget-friendly beginnings of iQOO for a more sophisticated, premium outlook. It comes in two versions with completely different finishes. For that ultra-premium feel, the iQOO 12’s Legend edition leads the way with a design collaboration with BMW. The fresh, pearlescent white finish of the smartphone is accented by the familiar stripes of BMW M Motorsport. The Alpha edition comes with a matte black finish for a sleek, sleeper vibe. Both versions have a metal body with a glass back.

Inside, the iQOO 12 runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal memory. You can get up to an additional 16GB of RAM with RAM virtualisation if the need arises. When it comes to display, the iQOO 12 comes with a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate for that extra edge when gaming. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is complemented with vivo’s Supercomputing Chip Q1 which helps with super-resolution processing and graphics processing.

On the camera side of things, it comes with a 50-megapixel “Astrography” camera with VCS2.0 biomimetic spectral technology for better colour reproduction. It comes complete with optical image stabilisation and electronic image stabilization. This main camera is complemented with a 64-megapixel periscope sensor with 3x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. The final sensor in the trifecta is a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor.

All of these technologies are powered by a 5,000mAh pro-performance graphite battery that supports 200w FlashCharge.

Pricing & Availability

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The iQOO 12 will be available starting on December 11, 2023. It will retail at RM3,399 with only one configuration – 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal memory. As mentioned before, it will be available in two finishes: Alpha (black) and Legend (White). Both version cost the same.

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Pre-orders for the smartphone are now available. The pre-order will continue until December 11, 2023. During the preorder period, the iQOO 12 will be priced at RM3,349, an RM50 off the retail with freebies worth up to RM777. This includes the iQOO TWS Air 2, 1-year extended warranty and 1-year screen protection.

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After the pre-order period, the smartphone will be available as part of the 12.12 campaign. The smartphone will be priced at RM3,349 with a year’s extended warranty and screen crack protection,

Mobile, News

Bye Bye Comixology…

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It’s a sad day for Comixology App users. Starting from 4th December, the comic centric app will officially be out of business. However, it seems like the app will live on as part of Amazon’s Kindle App. Any live or exclusive comic, manga, graphic comics or novels can only be accessed through the Kindle App moving forward.

comiXology
Edited AI Generated Image with Adobe Firefly

While it may be upsetting to users, it’s something that was bound to happen. Amazon acquired Comixology nearly ten years ago, in 2014, but barely made any changes to it. That changed recently in early 2022 when they shut down the browser version of the app, forcing users to use the Kindle App or Amazon’s browser-based readers. This made Comixology very inaccessible to long time users who read their subscriptions primarily on the browser.

Ahead of the December 4th deadline, users are advised to download any books they are presently reading from Comixology into the Kindle app. According to Amazon, users can seamlessly switch from one ongoing comic series to another by having their reading progress in Comixology automatically sync with their Kindle.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Comixology announced the merging of both apps. They also mentioned that with the merging, certain familiar features will contiue to be available on the Kindle App. Users will also be able to continue to have a separated library for their graphic novels, comics and mangas within the Kindle App.

Users moving over to the Kindle App will be able to find their comic and manga collection with ease with the “Comics & Manga” filter in the library. Issues, volumes, and omnibuses will be grouped according to series. Additionally, users have the option to hide and unhide individual books. Books that have been hidden in the Comixology app will remain hidden in the Kindle as well.

As of now, the Comixology Unlimited subscriptions are not affected by the merging. Even the comic book buying process via Amazon’s Comixology shop remain unchanged.

Android, Mobile, News

The OnePlus 12 is Official & It’s Specc’d to Kill

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OnePlus is looking to set itself apart again with its once signature “Flagship Killer” moniker. The company’s latest flagship – the OnePlus 12 – looks to be the flagship everyone has been looking for from the company. The new flagship is being heralded as the “culmination of OnePlus over the past decade”. This flagship is OnePlus flexing its muscles, showcasing a fusion of innovation and a relentless pursuit of user satisfaction.

Timeless Design

Design-wise, OnePlus is playing the luxury card. Inspired by high-end watches, the OnePlus 12 is like a timepiece on steroids. It’s got a Flowy Emerald colour that sounds like poetry but looks damn good. According to OnePlus, it’s a nod to nature, with a design that screams sophistication.

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That said, the design seems a little more iterative than we’re used to from OnePlus. It does, for all purposes, look like its predecessor, the OnePlus 11. That said, it looks like OnePlus did spend more time on the insides this year.

Specc’d To Kill

The OnePlus 12 isn’t messing around. It’s armed to the teeth with the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. It promises speeds that’ll make your head spin. The CPU is 30% faster, the GPU is 25% zippier, and it’s somehow saving you power while doing all this. It’s even got a display that’ll make your eyes pop, a battery that’s playing the long game, and a cooling system that says, “Bring it on.”

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The display of the OnePlus 12 is literally going to make your eyes pop! The new 2K Super Fluid AMOLED display has a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. That’s more than 2x the peak brightness of any of the current flagships. It’s not just all about the screen and processor either, the flagship comes with a maximum of 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal memory. When we say specced to kill, we mean it. It’s got LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 memory. That’s speedy, to say the least. Together with RAM-Vitalization and ROM-Vitalization we first saw in the OnePlus 11.

It comes with a large 5,400mAh dual-cell battery. Charging shouldn’t be much of an issue with support for 100W SuperVOOC charging as well as 50W AirVOOC Charging. It also comes with the Dual Cryo-structure design that was shown off in concept earlier this year.

Better Cameras, Brighter Photos, Quicker Capture

The OnePlus 12 isn’t playing around when it comes to cameras. The smartphone comes equipped with a LYTA sensor collaboratively developed with Sony. The new 50-megapixel LYT-808 sensor allows for brighter, more detailed photos and videos. This is complemented by Omnivision’s 64-megapixel OV64B periscope sensor with 3x optical zoom and a 48-megapixel Sony IMX581 ultrawide sensor. This setup is further complemented by Hasselblad’s algorithm for image capture.

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Together with the hardware, OnePlus is leveraging OPPO’s years of know-how when it comes to imaging. The new flagship has support for ProXDR which allows for better performance in challenging light conditions. Paired with the new LYT-808 sensor, the 12 is gearing up to be the best-performing camera to date from OnePlus.

Pricing & Availability:

This OnePlus 11 is hitting the Chinese market on December 11, 2023. It will be available in three colours: Flowy Emerald, Graphite and Pale White. Prices are as below:

ConfigurationPrice (CNY)Estimated Price (RM)Estimated Price (USD$)
12GB RAM + 256GB Memory4,2992,818.74603.74
16GB RAM + 512GB Memory4,7993,146.58673.96
16GB RAM + 1TB Memory5,2993,474.41743.60
24GB RAM + 1TB Memory5,7993,795.51813.76

Globally, the smartphone is poised to make its debut in early 2024.

Mobile, News

WhatsApp Doubles Down on Security With Secret Code, Chat Lock and Email Verification

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WhatsApp has introduced email verification and Chat Lock, which provides users with an additional layer of authentication and security. The app is also doubling down on security with a new Secret Code feature.

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Source: Pexels

With Email Verification, users can link their WhatsApp accounts to an email address. This is an alternative to the usual SMS verification that could be more useful for users in areas where reception and connectivity is compromised.

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In addition to Email verification, WhatsApp is also introducing two features to enhance privacy on the app: Chat Lock and Secret Code. Chat locks work by being able to set aside chats in a specialised folder in WhatsApp that is only accessible through fingerprint or face ID ensuring only the user can securely stow them away from prying eyes.

With Secret Code, users can place passcodes on locked chats to add that secure layer to the conversation. Users can also hide the Locked chat folders from the home page, which can only be accessed with the passcode users had placed when typing in the search bar.

As with all new features, users must first update WhatsApp to the latest version. After updating, users can go to the Your Profile tab, pick the Account option, and tap on Email Address to connect their account to an email address. The email address is required for authentication and is kept private. Currently, Chat Lock and Email Verification features are live and available publicly in the App. Meanwhile, the Secret Code is in the process of rolling out and will soon be available globally.

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These updates come in the wake of WhatsApp and Google both sharing an update that would end the large backups that Android users are able to have. In the update, both Google and WhatsApp iterate that back ups will now count towards user’s 15GB quota of storage across Google services. This would mean that if your back up is larger than 15GB you would need to look into subscribing for larger storage capacities from Google. The plans start at $1.99 per month for 100 GB or $9.99 per month for 2 TB.