Category Archives: News

News

Netflix Expands into Physical Spaces with “Netflix House”

Leave a comment

Netflix is stepping into the physical world with “Netflix House,” a concept blending entertainment, dining, and shopping in themed spaces. The company is upping the ante to create real-world experiences for fans of its shows. They are preparing to launch “Netflix House,” a physical space where entertainment meets reality. Josh Simon, Netflix’s VP of Consumer Products, shared that these spaces won’t just be about watching shows; they are designed as hubs where fans can immerse themselves in their favourite series.

person holding a remote control
Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

The “Netflix House” is envisioned as an exciting blend of retail, dining, and live experiences. Imagine shopping for show-themed clothing, savouring themed culinary delights, and perhaps even tackling a Squid Game-inspired obstacle course. These spaces will offer ticketed shows inspired by popular series and a variety of dining options, from casual bites to upscale restaurants. The first two Netflix Houses are expected to appear in the US by 2025, with global expansion plans on the horizon.

This move marks Netflix’s venture into permanent physical locations, signalling a significant investment in promoting its content and fostering fan communities. Netflix has previously experimented with temporary stores, such as pop-ups showcasing Stranger Things merchandise. It’s worth noting that the Netflix House concept itself is nothing new for Netflix as the company has had pop-ups in recent years with the same name.

brunching binging the penthouse war in life jovan vasiljevic photography
Photo by Jovan Vasiljević on Pexels.com

Beyond Netflix House, the company is also exploring the gaming world by introducing games on TV through a new mobile app for game controllers. There are rumours of potential subscription price increases, but these might come with added features. As the streaming industry evolves, Netflix is exploring various avenues to engage its audience in new and exciting ways.

While the specific locations for Netflix House’s 2025 debut remain undisclosed, major US cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco are likely candidates. These locations will offer fans a tangible connection to their beloved Netflix shows.

eSports, Gaming, News

Moontoon’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang M5 World Tournament will Officially Use the ROG Phone 6

Leave a comment

Hot off their announcement of the official ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 edition, Moontoon is taking it a step further by announcing that their upcoming Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) M5 World Tournament will be officially using the smartphone for their upcoming tourney.

Screenshot 2023 10 16 at 15 40 30 PowerPoint 簡報 Sales Kit ROG Phone X MLBB M5.pdf

The new partnership saw the launch of a special MLBB edition of the successful ROG Phone 6 with design cues taken from playable MLBB hero – Yu-Zhong. The gaming smartphone will give players top-of-the-line specifications and performance with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and 12GB of RAM. ASUS has also introduced better latency and features with more sensitive air triggers and better WiFi connection technology.

Moontoon claims to have given the gaming smartphone rigorous testing before choosing it for its official partnership. The smartphone will be used for the first time for MLBB’s M5 in the Wild Cards which will take place from 23 to 26 November, 2023, in Malaysia. This Wild Card will see players from all around the globe battle it out to earn their place in the Group Stage of the MLBB M5 World Tournament. The ROG Phone 6 will then be used throughout the tourney.

ROG x MLBB 04

The ROG Phone 6 MLBB Special Edition was announced earlier last week. The new bundle will see ROG’s successful ROG Phone 6 in an exclusive bundle with MLBB-inspired merchandise and accessories. The most notable of which is the DEVILCASE which comes emblazoned with Yu-Zhong, one of the playable heroes in Mobile Legends Bang Bang. The Bundle will be retailing for MYR2,299.

News

Instagram’s Threads Levels Up with Editable Posts & Voice Threads

Leave a comment

Instagram’s answer to a rapidly degenerating Twitter (now known as “X”) – Threads – is taking the competition head-on by introducing new features. This includes editable posts. This is a feature that Twitter (X) has adopted only for its premium “verified” users but Threads is offering it without additional fees. Threads now offers all users the coveted “edit button” for free. However, there is one caveat – you can only edit a post within the first five minutes of it going live.

Threads Edit Voice Notes

In addition to this, Threads is also introducing “voice threads,” a feature akin to “voice notes.” You can start or reply to a thread using your voice, making communication more dynamic and personal. This feature is readily accessible. Simply tap on the microphone icon, and the recorder appears. Tap or press and hold the record button to start recording. It even generates auto-captions, giving you a chance to make any necessary changes before finalizing your post.

While these features are exciting, there are some aspects to consider. Voice notes may not be available on the web app yet, although this might be rolled out soon. Additionally, when a post is edited, there’s no clear indication that changes were made or an edit history, potentially raising transparency concerns. It’s something Threads might need to address.

Android, eSports, Gaming, Mobile, News

ASUS ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition Unleashed for MYR2,299

Leave a comment

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is back with a bang (bang), and this time, it’s all about celebrating the eSports spirit. ROG is collaborating with MOONTON Games to introduce a special limited edition of the ROG Phone 6. The ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition comes as MOONTOON is building up to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 World Championship 2023.

Inspired by MLBB Hero: Yu Zhong

The ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition pays tribute to Yu Zhong with an exclusive design, and it’s not just about looks. It’s packed with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Yu Zhong complements the ROG ethos and design with his colourful background, rebellious spirit, and daredevil attitude. The ROG Phone 6 and 6D both come with bold accents and colourways that reflect that rebellious spirit.

ROG x MLBB 04

Underneath its stunning design, the ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition shares the technical prowess of the highly-acclaimed ROG Phone 6. This gaming powerhouse is driven by the Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, which promises unrivalled mobile gaming performance. With 12 GB of LPDDR5 memory, you’ll experience smooth app switching, making multitasking a breeze.

Moreover, this device features a high-tech cooling system to prevent overheating during marathon gameplay sessions. No need to worry about running out of power; a powerful battery ensures you stay in the game, and the AirTrigger 6 controls provide a console-like gaming experience. With a 165 Hz display, you can expect a visually stunning gaming adventure. Heat shouldn’t be an issue either with the phone’s AeroActive Cooler.

ROG x MLBB 13
ROG x MLBB 12
ROG x MLBB 11
ROG x MLBB 14

Unboxing the ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition will be a unique experience in itself. Along with the device, you’ll receive an exclusive gift box valued at over MYR788. This treasure trove includes a premium Yu Zhong-themed DEVILCASE, an MLBB badge holder, a handy MLBB screen-cleaning cloth, and an AeroActive Cooler 6 clip-on external cooler.

Pricing & Availability

Starting from October 12, 2023, the ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition will be available in Malaysia for MYR2,299. You can find it at all ROG authorized dealers and online channels, including ASUS eStore, Shopee, and Lazada.

But that’s not all; the first 500 purchasers of this special edition will also receive 500 MLBB Diamonds to elevate their gaming. Terms and conditions apply, so make sure to check with your local ASUS representative.

For gamers in Indonesia, the ROG Phone 6 MLBB M5 Special Edition will be available from October 12, while those in the Philippines can expect it on October 25. Stay tuned for availability in other regions, as the gaming excitement spreads.

Gaming, Lifestyle, News

ROG Takes on Fashion with New ROG SLASH Accessories Series

Leave a comment

Republic of Gamers (ROG) is bringing even more fashion to gaming this year with its new ROG Accessories 2023 Series. This collection extends the SLASH line of gamer-focused apparel and accessories. The new edition of the SLASH lineup continues to be inspired by the edgy cyberpunk style. It is also accented by binary code that holds a secret message – should you know how to decode it.

ROG SLASH 2023 07

Chapter 3.0 of the ROG SLASH series brings to life three incredible additions: the ROG SLASH Sling Bag 2.0, Duffle Bag, and Hard-Case Luggage. The ROG SLASH Accessories boast bold black, pink, and blue colour schemes. These products are crafted with premium materials, making them water and tear-resistant. Robust zippers and spacious interiors ensure your gear stays safe no matter what the weather throws your way.

Sling Bag 2.0 – For the Urban Gamer

ROG SLASH 2023 08

Urbanite gamers – the ROG SLASH Sling Bag 2.0 is your ideal companion. It’s compact and designed to carry your essentials. It’s compact yet spacious with a large main compartment and a smaller zippered section for your valuable items. A Fidlock magnetic quick-release buckle ensures your gear stays secure but always accessible. Its 360° snap hook and adjustable shoulder strap allow for various carrying styles, whether it’s one shoulder or both.

The Versatile Duffle Bag

ROG SLASH 2023 12

Stepping up the game, the ROG SLASH Duffle Bag offers ample room for longer outings. It has a roomy main compartment and even includes a hidden shoe bag for your work or gym shoes. The shoe bag is removable, giving you flexibility. This bag is all about comfort, with adjustable straps and plastic feet at the bottom to keep it elevated, regardless of where you place it. Its bold ROG styling and monogramming add a touch of panache. With a three-way carry system and adjustable straps, the ROG SLASH Duffle Bag is the perfect city companion.

Travel in Style with the Hard-Case Luggage

ROG SLASH 2023 03

For jet-setters, the ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage is a game-changer. It’s built with a 100% polycarbonate shell, fortified corners, and TSA-compliant locks. This suitcase is the perfect travel companion for long-haul flights and baggage claim nightmares. It rolls silently on four wheels, ensuring you don’t draw unwanted attention at the terminal. Besides ample space for your clothes, it even features an organizer for your gaming gear. With a stainless steel plate and the signature ROG SLASH design, this luggage is more than ready to accompany you on your journeys.

Pricing & Availability

ROG’s SLASH Accessories will be available in Malaysia in stages. The new additions will be available starting in mid-November 2023 while items like the ROG Archer Messenger 14, the Slash Crossbody and the Slash Protective Laptop Bag are already available in the ROG Accessory eStore.

Prices are per the table below:

AccessoryPrice (MYR)Availability
ROG SLASH Sling Bag 2.0359Mid-November 2023
ROG SLASH Duffle Bag599Mid November 2023
ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage999Mid-November 2023
ROG Archer Messenger 14319Now Available
ROG Slash Crossbody409Now Available
ROG Slash Protective Laptop Bag409Now Available
    Gaming, News

    Cloud Streaming Comes to PlayStation Plus Premium

    Leave a comment

    PlayStation Plus Premium is starting to make sense. Sony introduced the all-new PlayStation Plus more than a year ago, however, the service and its tiers have had a hard time enticing users to subscribe. As it stands now, PS Plus now has three tiers: essential, extra and premium (or deluxe in markets without streaming). At the very bottom is essential which offers little more than online multiplayer and free monthly games. The extra tier gives access to the Games Catalogue while Premium adds on the classics catalogue and game trials. However, that’s about to change with the introduction of game streaming to the service at its premium tier. While the service was announced a little over 12 months ago, it’s finally making its debut.

    PlayStation Plus Game Streaming KA
    Source: PlayStation

    Starting this month, gamers will be able to start accessing PS5 cloud streaming. With the service kicking off, you’ll be able to play PS5 games without the need for lengthy downloads. Instead, the games will be instantly streamed from Sony’s servers. This will help in eliminating the waiting time and ensuring that you can dive into your chosen game at a moment’s notice.

    Sony isn’t looking to stream games in low quality with the service. Instead, when streaming PS5 games, you can enjoy high-quality resolution options, including 4K, 1440p, 1080p, and 720p, all at up to 60 frames per second. This also includes HDR support. Sony is also bringing support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound and Tempest 3D Audiotech which is supposed to make game audio even more immersive.

    Sony’s approach to cloud gaming is refreshingly flexible. PlayStation Plus Premium members can stream the games they own or wish to try out. While some games can be directly streamed, others can be downloaded, providing you with the choice that best suits your gaming preferences. You’ll also be able to capture up to 3 minutes of gameplay while streaming.

    PlayStation Plus Game Streaming
    Source: PlayStation

    Here are some notable titles you’ll be able to stream or download as a PlayStation Plus Premium member: Resident Evil 4, Dead Island 2, Genshin Impact, Fall Guys, and Fortnite. Additionally, you can access game trials for various titles, such as Hogwarts Legacy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and The Calisto Protocol. These game trials enable you to test these titles before deciding to purchase them.

    While not all games will be available at launch, Sony promises to support hundreds of PS5 titles. Some of the top PS5 hits are already in the lineup, including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima, Mortal Kombat 11, and Saints Row IV. This is just the beginning, with the game catalogue set to expand significantly in the future.

    Pricing & Availability: Unlocking the Future of Gaming

    As mentioned earlier in the article, you have to be subscribed to PlayStation Plus Premium in supported countries to access the service. At the time of the announcement, PS Plus Premium is priced at USD$159.99 (MYR755.11) a year or USD$17.99 (MYR84.91) a month. There is also a 3-month subscription for USD$49.99 (MYR235.94).

    Availability will be rolled out in phases in select markets. As of now, the service is scheduled to live in Japan on October 17, 2023, followed by Europe on October 23, 2023 and North America on October 30, 2023.

    At the moment, cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium will be available in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United State.

    Computers, News

    Intel’s ARC A580 GPU Finally Goes Official

    Leave a comment

    Intel has been on a mission to break into the GPU market and offer more options to gamers. The latest step in this journey is the introduction of the Intel Arc A580. Positioned as a mid-range contender, this GPU is touted to have remarkable performance and promises excellent value for your money. Currently, only ASRock, GUNNIR, Photon and SPARKLE have announced their versions of the A580.

    Intel Arc A580 2

    Irrespective of the brand you choose, the heart of these cards remains the same: the Intel Arc A580 GPU. This GPU is not only about providing an additional choice for PC enthusiasts but also about introducing a new tier to the desktop graphics card lineup. The Intel Arc A580 belongs to the Intel Arc A5 family, fitting snugly between the high-performance A750 and A770 and the budget-friendly A380 GPUs.

    But what sets the Intel Arc A580 apart is its hardware specs. It comes equipped with 8 GB of VRAM, which should be ample memory to run 1080p games. Memory bandwidth is equally impressive, boasting a total of 512GB/s.

    Intel Arc A580 1

    While the Intel Arc A580 falls between the A380 and A750 in terms of positioning, its hardware specs align more with the A750. What truly sets it apart is the number of Xe-cores, the computational powerhouses behind the graphics magic. The Arc A580 sports 24 Xe-cores, which positions it close to the top end of the A-Series GPUs.

    Moreover, “OC” in most of the add-in board names indicates overclocking. All three cards are configured to run at 2000 MHz, approximately 18% faster than Intel’s 1700 MHz reference specification.

    Gaming Performance

    The Intel Arc A580 leverages the power of Game On driver updates to ensure top-notch performance in both new and legacy games. It’s equipped to handle even the latest games at 1080p High settings with ease. Intel touts that titles like “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart” and “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” run natively on the A580 at over 60 FPS. But here’s the exciting part: there’s more performance potential to be unlocked in these cards.

    Intel Arc A580 3

    The Intel Arc GPUs come packed with powerful AI capabilities and take full advantage of Intel® Xe Super Sampling (XeSS). The Intel Arc A580 is no exception, offering impressive performance enhancements when XeSS is enabled. For instance, in the case of “Remnant II,” enabling XeSS boosts the A580’s performance from around 50 fps to a highly playable 73 FPS—a remarkable 46% improvement according to Intel. In well-optimized games like “Ghostwire Tokyo,” XeSS takes performance to a new level, delivering over 2x the speed with this technology.

    Beyond Gaming

    Intel Arc GPUs have always been about more than just gaming. Content creation is a breeze with these cards, offering AV1 video encoding hardware, AI acceleration through XMX engines, and a streaming studio within Arc Control software. This combination unlocks endless possibilities, from AI-generated art to supercharged video editing.

    One of the most exciting features for video editors is the introduction of dual encoding, designed to save precious time. By utilizing both Multi-Format Codec Engines (MFXs) on the Intel Arc A580, video encoding is accelerated, reducing encoding time by an impressive 35%. This feature is already rolling out to various applications, ensuring a smoother and faster editing process.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Intel Arc A580 is now available globally. Prices for these GPUs start at $179 (MYR703.12).

    Business, Computers, News

    Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon X Series for Next-Gen PC Power

    Leave a comment

    Qualcomm, the powerhouse behind cutting-edge chipsets, is changing the game yet again. This time, it’s not about the chips themselves, but their names. Say goodbye to the “c” series and welcome the “X” series.

    For years, Qualcomm has been synonymous with top-of-the-line chipsets, but not so much with memorable names. Now, after thorough analysis and consumer feedback, they’re revamping their PC chipset branding. Out goes the “c” series, and in comes the Snapdragon X Series. This change is not just cosmetic; it’s a leap into the future of PC experiences.

    Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series

    The “X” identifier distinguishes the PC platforms from other Snapdragon product categories, eliminating confusion. Now, it’s all about streamlined, user-friendly naming. No more puzzling over which chipset is right for you—Qualcomm has sorted it out.

    But it’s not just about the name. Qualcomm is preparing to launch a whole new generation of chipsets that it touts will redefine your PC experience. These Snapdragon X series platforms build on Qualcomm’s expertise in CPU, GPU, and NPU (neural processing unit) technologies. It all starts with the Qualcomm Oryon CPU, a significant leap forward in both performance and power efficiency.

    Qualcomm expects that as we move into 2024, the PC industry is about to witness a seismic shift. The Snapdragon X series promises exceptional performance, AI capabilities, unmatched connectivity, and impressive battery life. The Oryon CPU, combined with its NPU, is set to deliver blazingly fast on-device experiences.

    The company will be revealing more at the upcoming Snapdragon Summit later this year.

    Gaming, News

    The PlayStation 5 Gets A Slim Makeover With A Removable Disc Drive in Tow

    Leave a comment

    Sony has put the PlayStation 5 on a diet! The chunky monkey we all love and adore has gone on a diet. It is now slimmer and more stylish than ever but it’s got more storage. The new slimmer PlayStation 5 comes with design updates that tweak its futuristic design with optimisations that help it shed its bulk for a sleeker profile.

    PlayStation 5 Slim 1
    Source: Sony PlayStation

    However, don’t be fooled; these new units maintain the same internal hardware power as the original PS5. What’s truly impressive is the substantial reduction in size and weight—over 30% in volume and 18-24% in weight compared to its predecessors. Inside, the new models boast a roomy 1TB SSD – an upgrade from the original’s 825GB of storage.

    The redesign of the new PS5 models is not just about slimness. It introduces a stunning visual element with faceplates that feature a curved slit bisecting each faceplate into “glossy” upper and “matte” lower sections. If you want to add a splash of colour, Sony has you covered; New coloured faceplates will be available, starting in early 2024, for just USD$54.99 (MYR259.48). You’ll be able to get more options like the recently announced Deep Earth Collection soon.

    One of these panels now houses the attachment area for the removable disc drive. This also means that you can “upgrade” your digital-only PS5 to a “full” PS5 by purchasing the Ultra HD Blu-ray drive for an additional USD$79.99 (MYR377.47).

    PlayStation 5 Slim 4
    Source: Sony PlayStation

    However, it’s essential to note that the slimmer models won’t stand vertically out of the box. For that, you’ll need a Vertical Stand, available separately for USD$29.99 (MYR141.52). Another notable change is the front-facing USB-A port, which has been replaced with a second USB-C port.

    With these enhancements comes a slight adjustment in pricing. The MSRP for the PS5 Digital Edition is being increased from USD$399.99 (MYR1,887.36) to USD$449.99 (MYR2,123.29) in the US while the standard PS5 remains at USD$499.99 (MYR2,359.21). The new design also marks the end of production for the original PS5s. When the current inventory is sold out, you’ll only be able to get the new, slim design.

    PlayStation 5 Slim 3
    Source: Sony PlayStation

    Pricing & Availability

    The new PS5 models will roll out this month. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended retail prices for these models:

    RegionModelPrice
    United StatesPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive
    PS5 Digital Edition    		USD$499.99
    USD$449.99
    EuropePS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive
    PS5 Digital Edition    		€549.99
    €449.99
    United KingdomPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive
    PS5 Digital Edition    		£479.99
    £389.99
    JapanPS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive
    PS5 Digital Edition    		¥66,980
    ¥59,980
    Android, Mobile, News

    Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A9 Series Quietly Debuts in India

    Leave a comment

    Samsung has discreetly revealed its budget-friendly tablets, the Galaxy Tab A9 and A9+, primarily in the Indian market. These newcomers join the Galaxy A series, emerging as competitive contenders in the budget tablet arena and are hot on the heel of the announcement of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series. Despite the hushed release, they promise impressive specifications and features.

    Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 700x394 jpg

    Galaxy Tab A9: Compact and Capable

    The Galaxy Tab A9 is compact, sporting an 8.7-inch LCD with 800 x 1340 pixels resolution. Powering this tab is MediaTek’s Helio G99 SoC which should deliver commendable performance with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

    Samsung Galaxy A9 and A9 jpg

    In the camera department, the Tab A9 features an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel selfie shooter. This tablet is designed for extended use, thanks to a robust 5100mAh battery. Furthermore, it comes in two variants: Wi-Fi and 5G.

    Samsung doesn’t skimp on audio quality; the Tab A9 is equipped with AKG-powered dual speakers. You can choose from three appealing colour options: Grey, Dark Blue, and Silver.

    Galaxy Tab A9+: Bigger and Better

    The Galaxy Tab A9+ follows in the footsteps of its sibling, maintaining the same design aesthetics and colour choices. However, it steps up the game with an 11-inch LCD boasting a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It houses a Snapdragon 695 SoC for enhanced performance and is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

    Galaxy Tab A9 jpg

    Photography enthusiasts can enjoy an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. This tablet also incorporates a quad-speaker system to amplify your audio experience.

    Pricing & Availability:

    In India, the Galaxy Tab A9 is competitively priced at INR12,999 (MYR738.70) for the 4GB RAM variant (Wi-Fi only). The 5G variant, offering extended connectivity options, is available at INR15,999 (MYR908.40).

    For the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus, the Wi-Fi model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage, retails at INR20,999 (MYR1,192.29). The pricing of the 5G variant is yet to be disclosed.

    No word yet on if the tablet will be making its way to Malaysia.