Category Archives: News

Acer Enters the Handheld Gaming PC Arena with the Nitro Blaze 7

Here comes a new challenger! The handheld gaming market is gaining even more steam with Acer throwing its hat into the ring with the Nitro Blaze 7. This gaming device aims to offer desktop-grade performance in a portable form factor, catering to gamers seeking powerful gaming experiences on the go.

Acer NITRO Blaze GN771 LS02

The Nitro Blaze 7 is powered by a high-performance AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor. This processor is an octa-core processor with a 24MB cache and up to 5.1GHz max boost speeds. It will be running on the Radeon 780M with RDNA 3 architecture. The processor also supports AMD’s Ryzen AI with a total of 39 TOPS in performance.

The screen on the Nitro Blaze 7 is a 7-inch, Full HD IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness. It also comes with a 7ms response time and covers 100% of the sRGB gamut. This will give it more accurate colour reproduction. It will also support AMD FreeSync promising better, more fluid graphics performance.

When it comes to storage, the Blaze 7 comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM out of the box. This is complemented by up to 2TB of M.2 NVMe SSD with PCIe 4.0 support. The handheld will be coming with 2 USB Type-C ports with support for USB4 and a micro SD card for expanded storage.

Nitro Blaze GN771 GN771 01

The Blaze 7 comes with 2 1W speakers and supports a 3.5mm audio jack. It also has 2 D-mics. If wired audio isn’t your thing, you’ll be able to take advantage of Bluetooth 5.3 that comes with the Nitro Blaze 7. It also supports WiFi 6E.

It comes as no surprise that it comes with Windows 11 built-in. However, Acer is bringing its own take on the handheld experience with the Acer Game Space. Gamers will be able to get quick access to their installed game library across all available platforms.

Design-wise, the Blaze 7 comes with a lot of the hallmarks of the current generation of handheld PCs. It has a D-Pad on the left with ABXY buttons on the right. It also has analogue sticks on either side. There are also bumpers and triggers on either side. Aside from this, it has a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor for easy login to Windows. But what sets this handheld apart are the design accents that emblazon the face and back of the handheld that align with Acer’s Nitro brand.

Pricing and Availability

Acer has yet to announce the official pricing or release date for the Nitro Blaze 7. However, given its powerful specifications and the competitive nature of the handheld gaming market, it is likely to be priced competitively.

Google and HONOR Collaborate for AI-Powered Magic in the Magic V3

HONOR has announced a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to bring advanced AI features to its upcoming flagship foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V3. This collaboration aims to enhance the user experience and provide innovative solutions for everyday tasks.

HONOR Magic V3 Partnership with Google Cloud

AI-Powered Innovations

The collaboration sees Honor incorporating Google Cloud’s AI technologies into features that it touts will change the user experience on its flagships. Among them are:

  • HONOR AI Eraser: Remove unwanted objects from your photos with ease using this powerful AI tool.
  • Face-to-Face Translation: Break down language barriers with real-time translation during conversations.
  • HONOR Notes with Voice to Text: Effortlessly convert spoken words into text for quick and easy note-taking.

Magic Portal Improves with the Magic V3

The Magic V3 introduces the innovative Magic Portal, which allows you to seamlessly interact with apps and information. Simply circle text, addresses, or images with your knuckle and drag them into apps like Google, WhatsApp, or social media platforms. The Magic V3 even allows you to open two Magic Portals simultaneously for enhanced multitasking capabilities.

The HONOR Magic V3 boasts a remarkably thin and light design, making it one of the most compact foldable smartphones on the market. This sleek form factor doesn’t compromise on performance or battery life, allowing you to enjoy a premium foldable experience without sacrificing portability.

Experience the Magic V3 at the Roadshow

HONOR Magic V3 Roadshow

Before its official launch, HONOR is inviting the public to experience the Magic V3 at a roadshow in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from September 3rd to 8th. Visitors can explore the device’s features, including the AI Eraser, Magic Portal, and other innovative capabilities. Additionally, participants can try out the AI Eraser by taking photos with the Magic V3 and removing unwanted background objects.

Lenovo Announces New Monitors and Accessories for the Legion Ecosystem

Lenovo‘s Legion ecosystem is growing with the introduction of two new gaming monitors and a range of accessories designed to enhance the experience of the company’s first gaming handheld – the Legion Go.

Lenovo Legion Accessories Announcement 2024

Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 Monitors: Immersive Gaming Displays

The Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 monitors offer gamers an immersive visual experience. These curved displays feature a 1500R curvature, providing a more enveloping viewing angle. The 27-inch R27qc-30 boasts a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution, while the 31.5-inch R32qc-30 offers a higher resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160). Both monitors support a fast refresh rate of 180Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive visuals, even during intense gaming sessions.  

The Legion R27qc-30 and R32qc-30 feature a VA panel, known for its high contrast ratio and deep blacks. The R27qc-30 covers 120% of the sRGB colour gamut, while the R32qc-30 covers 112% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, delivering accurate and vibrant colours. Both monitors offer wide viewing angles, allowing you to enjoy the visuals from various positions.

Legion Go Accessories: Enhancing Your Gaming Experience

To complement the Legion Go, Lenovo has introduced a range of accessories designed to enhance your gaming experience. The Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock provides essential connectivity options, including USB-C Power, RJ45, USB-A ports, and HDMI 2.0. This allows you to connect various peripherals and expand your gaming setup.  

Lenovo Legion Go USB C Dock 05

The Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector offers a convenient way to charge both detachable TrueStrike controllers simultaneously. This eliminates the hassle of charging each controller individually, ensuring you’re always ready to game.

Legion Go Case final

The Lenovo Legion Go Carry Case provides protection for your Legion Go while on the go. Its hard shell design safeguards the device, and the internal zip pocket allows you to store additional accessories.  

Legion Go Joystick Pro (24)

Lastly, Lenovo is also introducing a mini Bluetooth Keyboard that complements the Legion Go experience. The keyboard has a 75% layout and weighs in at a super light 180g with a thickness of only 5.6mm. It has multidevice connectivity supporting smart switching between up to three devices with multi-device and supports Microsoft Windows, Android, and iPadOS.

Legion Ultimate Support: Elevate Your Gaming Experience

For gamers seeking the ultimate support, Lenovo offers Legion Ultimate Support. This premium service provides 24/7/365 access to expert gaming technicians who can assist with troubleshooting, optimizations, and other technical needs.  

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability details announced are listed below.

  • Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 Monitor: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €259 (approximately RM1,285).
  • Lenovo Legion R32qc-30 Monitor: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €349 (approximately RM1,730).
  • Lenovo Legion Go USB-C Dock: Expected to be available starting in June 2024 for an estimated price of €64.99 (approximately RM322).
  • Lenovo Legion Go Charging Connector: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €59.99 (approximately RM297).
  • Lenovo Legion Go Carry Case: Expected to be available starting in January 2025 for an estimated price of €29.99 (approximately RM148).
  • Lenovo Legion Go Joystick and Joystick Caps: Expected to be available starting in October 2024 for an estimated price of €9.99 (approximately RM49).
  • Lenovo Multi-Device Bluetooth Mini Keyboard: Expected to be available starting in November 2024 for an estimated price of €39.99 (approximately RM198).

More details regarding the local Malaysian pricing and availability of the Lenovo Legion R27qc-30, R32qc-30 monitors, and accessories will be announced at a later date.

Acer Re-enters the Tablet Arena with New Iconia Tablets

Acer has made a triumphant return to the tablet market with the launch of the Iconia Tab P11 and Iconia Tab A8. These versatile tablets offer a seamless blend of entertainment and education, making them ideal for families and students alike.

Acer Iconia KA

Iconia Tab P11: Immersive Entertainment

The Iconia Tab P11 boasts a stunning 11-inch 2K QLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 100% NTSC wide colour gamut. This vibrant screen delivers exceptional visuals for streaming content, editing photos, and more. The tablet’s sleek aluminium alloy design and compact form factor make it easy to carry and use on the go.

Powered by an Octa-Core processor and 8GB of RAM, the Iconia Tab P11 offers smooth multitasking and ample performance for demanding tasks. With 256GB of expandable storage, you’ll have plenty of space for your apps, files, and media. The tablet’s long-lasting 8,000mAh battery provides up to 13 hours of video playback, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite content without interruption.

Iconia Tab A8: A Versatile Learning Companion

The Iconia Tab A8 is a smaller and more affordable option designed for entertainment and education. It features an 8.7-inch IPS display with narrow bezels, offering a comfortable viewing experience. The tablet’s powerful processor and 4GB of RAM ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

With a focus on education, the Iconia Tab A8 comes equipped with Google Kids Space, a safe and fun environment for children to explore educational content. Parents can also manage screen time and content access to ensure a positive learning experience.

Pricing and Availability

Both the Iconia Tab P11 and Iconia Tab A8 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. The Iconia Tab P11 is priced at RM1,099, while the Iconia Tab A8 is priced at RM699.

To celebrate the launch, Acer is offering a special discount of RM100 on both models until September 14th, 2024. Additionally, customers will receive a free casing with every purchase.

vivo & iQOO Land in Sabah with First Official vivo Store

vivo and iQOO have made a triumphant entry into East Malaysia with the grand opening of their new brand store in Kota Kinabalu in Imago Mall. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the brands hosted a thrilling Honor of Kings (HOK) esports tournament, drawing enthusiastic crowds and showcasing their commitment to providing innovative products and exciting experiences to consumers in the region.

vivo iQOO Ribbon Cutting

The store opening and HOK tournament were a resounding success, attracting long queues of eager customers and passionate gaming enthusiasts. The tournament servers as vivo’s platform to showcase it’s iQOO Z9, a powerful gaming smartphone demonstrating its capabilities to potential buyers.

The iQOO Z9 is a gaming powerhouse that was launched earlier this year. The smartphone is designed to excel in competitive titles like HOK. Equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, it delivers exceptional performance, ensuring smooth gameplay even during intense battles. The device’s long-lasting battery and fast charging capabilities keep you powered up throughout the day, while its 144Hz AMOLED display offers ultra-smooth visuals for lightning-fast reactions. The advanced cooling system further enhances performance by preventing overheating.

iQOO Z9 2

The HOK tournament was a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the skills and passion of the participating teams. The competition was fierce, with players demonstrating their mastery of the game and engaging in intense battles. [Type-C] emerged as the champion, securing the coveted RM2000 prize. [D’vision] and [Buaya Lucu] claimed second and third place, respectively, each taking home RM500.

The new concept store is being launched on the heels of the brand’s new midrange flagship – the vivo V40 series that brings professional grade camera performance with their ZEISS partnership and the company’s latest take on the aura light.

Yaber Projector T2 Plus Now Available in Malaysia

Yaber, one of the largest new emergent companies in Projectors, has introduced the Projector T2 Plus to the Malaysian market. This portable projector boasts impressive features, including native 1080P resolution, powerful audio, and a built-in battery, making it ideal for outdoor movie nights, camping trips, and parties.

Yaber Projector T2 Plus (3)

A Cinematic Experience on the Go

The Projector T2 Plus delivers industry-leading audiovisual performance, thanks to its 450 ANSI Lumens brightness and native 1080P resolution. It’s designed to deliver clear and vibrant images even in well-lit environments. With a projection range of 40 to 120 inches and intelligent auto-correction technology, it can easily project onto uneven surfaces without compromising image quality.

Yaber Projector T2 Plus (1)

Audio on the T2 Plus isn’t like other projectors. It’s made to be immersive with dual JBL speakers and support for Dolby Audio. The T2 Plus looks to rival even the most high-end portable audio systems, providing a cinematic audio experience to complement its visuals.

Built for Adventure

The Yaber Projector T2 Plus is designed for outdoor use, featuring a built-in battery that provides up to 2.5 hours of movie playback or 18 hours of Bluetooth-connected music. This makes it the longest-lasting music player among projectors in its class.

Durability is a key feature of the T2 Plus. Yaber’s unique air ventilation system helps prevent overheating, while the sturdy handle allows for easy portability and adjustable projection angles. The fully sealed optical engine protects the projector from dust accumulation, ensuring long-lasting and crystal-clear visuals.

Stylish and User-Friendly

The Projector T2 Plus boasts a sleek and modern design that complements any setting. Its intuitive user interface and remote control make it easy to set up and use. The projector also supports automatic focus, keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance for hassle-free projection.

Enhanced Connectivity

The Projector T2 Plus offers versatile connectivity options. Stream your favourite movies and shows from popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube using the included Google TV Dongle. For wireless connectivity, connect your smartphone via the Yaber App for seamless screen mirroring and remote control.

Pricing & Availability

The Yaber Projector T2 Plus is priced at RM1,799 and is available for purchase on Yaber’s official store on Lazada and Shopee. Additionally, the T2 Plus will be available at major local partner stores starting from August 26th, 2024.

A special Keith Haring Edition of the Projector T2 Plus will be launched in the Malaysian market in Q4, 2024.

TM and Nokia Forge a Path for Hyperconnected Future with Upgraded Optical Network

TM has partnered with Nokia to enhance its international optical network. This collaboration is specifically designed to address the growing demand for high-speed connectivity, particularly from hyperscaler customers such as large cloud service providers – a crucial requirement for Malaysia’s next step as a digital hub in Southeast Asia.

The cornerstone of this upgrade lies in Nokia’s advanced Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology. DWDM essentially acts like a multi-lane highway for data transmission, allowing TM to transmit multiple data streams simultaneously over a single fibre optic cable. This translates to a significant increase in network capacity, enabling TM to handle the ever-growing volume of data traffic seamlessly.  

Nokia x TM

Nokia’s contribution goes beyond just hardware. The new network will be powered by Nokia’s fifth-generation super-coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE-Vs) technology. This advanced engine ensures superior transmission performance over long distances, resulting in improved scalability, interoperability, and lower energy consumption. This aligns perfectly with TM’s strategic direction of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) for network management, as the energy efficiency of the PSE-Vs reduces operational costs.  

Beyond enhanced capacity and performance, TM will leverage Nokia’s WaveSuite platform. This software suite provides TM with a comprehensive set of tools for optimizing network operations and unlocking new revenue streams. WaveSuite allows efficient network management, simplifies service creation, and facilitates automation, which is crucial for AI-powered network management.  

This partnership between TM and Nokia has far-reaching implications beyond just network upgrades. The enhanced network will create a high-speed expressway for data traffic flowing between Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. This improved connectivity will solidify Malaysia’s position as a leading provider of high-speed and reliable optical network services in Southeast Asia, attracting more hyperscaler customers and fostering regional economic growth.

John Harrington, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific Sales for Network Infrastructure at Nokia, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “We are delighted to collaborate with TM to help them meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity,” he said. “Our advanced optical solutions, including the 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) family for access and metro aggregation, and the WaveSuite applications for network management and service creation, will enable TM to provide a world-class network experience to its customers.”  

Capture Your Reaction, Win a Music Frame: Samsung’s Portrait Studio Contest Heats Up

Did you use Samsung’s Portrait Studio feature to capture stunning portraits? Here’s a chance to see your picture on a giant billboard AND win a cool prize!

Stand a Chance to Win a Personalised Samsung Music Frame with Your Reaction to Your Portrait Studio Picture! KV

Samsung Malaysia is running a unique contest called the “Made with Portrait Studio Reaction Campaign.” The campaign celebrates the artistic capabilities of the Portrait Studio feature and gives you a chance to win a Samsung Music Frame.

What is Portrait Studio?

Portrait Studio is a built-in feature on many Samsung Galaxy smartphones including the recently announced Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6 as part of the growing features of Galaxy AI. It utilizes AI technology to enhance your portraits, creating professional-looking photos with various lighting effects and background blur options.

What is the Samsung Music Frame?

The Samsung Music Frame is a stylish and innovative device that blends seamlessly into your home decor. It doubles as a digital photo frame and a music player. You can display your favourite pictures, including your Portrait Studio creations, and enjoy your music library with high-quality sound.

How to Join the Competition:

The contest is open to all residents of Malaysia. Here’s how you can participate:

  1. Spot Your Portrait: Keep an eye out for Samsung billboards across major Malaysian cities. These billboards will showcase some of the best Portrait Studio pictures captured by Galaxy users.
  2. React and Record: If you see your picture on a billboard, it’s time to capture your reaction! Record a video of your surprise, excitement, or simply how amazing your photo looks on the big screen.
  3. Share on Social Media: Post your reaction video on Facebook, Instagram (Feed or Reels), Twitter (formerly known as X), or TikTok. Remember to tag @SamsungMalaysia and include the hashtags and . Make sure your social media profile is set to public so Samsung can see your entry.

The Prizes and Timeline:

The competition runs from August 9th, 2024, to September 8th, 2024. Three lucky winners will be chosen based on their creativity and engagement. Each winner will receive a Samsung Music Frame pre-loaded with their personalized Portrait Studio picture, valued at RM1,999. Winners will be announced on September 30th, 2024, and contacted via direct message on their social media platforms.

Google Wallet Gets Even More Useful with “Everything Else” Section

Google Wallet, the digital hub for storing payment methods, IDs, and transit passes, has just received a significant upgrade. The introduction of a new “Everything Else” section expands its functionality, allowing users to manage a wider range of digital essentials in a single, convenient location.

Launched in 2022, Google Wallet has quickly become a popular solution for contactless payments and digital identification; partially due to Android’s wide user base and adoption. It was seamlessly integrated with existing Android Pay functionality, allowing users to use credit and debit cards for quick and secure transactions. Additionally, the platform incorporated support for storing boarding passes, loyalty cards, and vaccine passports, streamlining the experience when on the go.

Google Wallet

Now, with the “Everything Else” section, Google Wallet takes another step towards becoming a one-stop shop for everyday needs. This new feature lets users scan and save a variety of documents, including event tickets, gym memberships, and even insurance cards. Google’s AI technology comes into play by automatically recognizing the type of document and suggesting relevant information for easy access and organization.

For users in Malaysia, Google Wallet is fully compatible, offering all the existing features including contactless payments, boarding passes, and digital IDs. The addition of the “Everything Else” section further enhances its usability, providing a central location to manage a wider range of important documents.

While the “Everything Else” section is currently limited to the US, users in Malaysia can still benefit from the existing features of Google Wallet. With its convenient organization and secure storage, Google Wallet continues to be a valuable tool for managing finances, identification, and other important digital items.

Patreon, Epic Games, & Spotify Push Back Against Apple’s App Store Fees

Apple’s App Store fee structure has long been a contentious issue for developers. In fact, the company’s App Store Fees have come under intense scrutiny in Europe as the EU Commission has ruled against Apple’s policies and reopened an investigation into the company for malicious compliance. These recent developments have emboldened more developers to voice out their grievances in public. Most recently, Patreon, Epic Games, and Spotify have taken to the internet and this intensified the scrutiny.

Blue and White Logo Guessing Game
Photo by Brett Jordan

EU Commission Takes On Apple’s App Store

Let’s take a look back at how we got here. In a landmark decision, the EU Commission found Apple to be in breach of competition law due to its App Store practices. The Commission ruled that Apple’s requirement for developers to use its in-app purchase system and pay a commission on all digital goods and services sold within their apps was unfair and stifled competition.

This ruling has significant implications for Apple. It has forced the company to change its App Store policies and allow developers to offer alternative payment methods within their apps. Apple has been charging a 30% fee to developers for the use of its App Store platform. Since the landmark ruling, the company has “opened up” more options to developers. However, more recently, it has introduced a yearly 5% “Initial Acquisition Fee” and a 10% “Store Services Fee”.

Growing Push Back from Developers

The European Union’s ruling against Apple’s anti-competitive practices has emboldened developers to challenge the company’s new policies. Spotify, for instance, has been a vocal critic of the App Store’s in-app purchase system. The music streaming giant has devised strategies to direct users towards its website for subscription sign-ups, bypassing Apple’s fee structure.

EU Flag Swaying with the Wind
Photo by Dušan Cvetanović

Epic Games, known for its popular game Fortnite, has also been at odds with Apple over App Store policies. The company famously challenged Apple’s rules by offering in-app purchases outside the App Store, leading to Fortnite’s removal from the platform. While the case garnered significant attention, the outcome ultimately favoured Apple, underscoring the challenges developers face when challenging the company’s policies.

Both developers have been more vocal since Apple introduced these changes. Epic Games has been bolder than others and unphased by Apple’s initial removal of Fortnite from the App Store. However, we don’t see Apple budging from its stance with the new fee structure.

Current Developments: Patreon Faces A Tough Decision

Patreon, a platform for creators to connect with their supporters, is currently facing a similar predicament. Apple has mandated that Patreon use its in-app purchase system, which would result in a substantial portion of its revenue going to Apple. Patreon is facing a difficult decision: comply with Apple’s terms and potentially reduce creator earnings, or risk being removed from the App Store, losing access to a significant portion of its user base.

These developments underscore the power struggle between platform owners like Apple and app developers. While the EU’s ruling marks a significant step towards challenging Apple’s dominance, the company still holds considerable sway over the App Store ecosystem. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this battle unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of app distribution. It’s also worth noting that while Apple’s App Store is in the crosshairs, these practices are used in many app distribution platforms even the Google Play Store.

As the situation evolves, more developers will likely join the chorus of dissent against Apple’s App Store policies. The ultimate outcome of these challenges could have far-reaching implications for the entire app economy.