Category Archives: News

Dropbox Drops its Unlimited Plan Thanks to Abuse & Misuse

Dropbox is taking a significant step by redefining its storage policy to address misuse and ensure its business sustainability. Dropbox joins tech giants like Google and Microsoft in adjusting its offerings and policies to maintain a balanced and reliable platform.

The revision comes in light of a small subset of users who have been engaging in activities such as cryptocurrency mining, unauthorized sharing, and reselling storage space. The main plan that’s been affected is Dropbox’s highest-tier plan which offered unlimited storage space and was originally tailored for businesses seeking growth. The misuse led to disproportionate resource consumption and instability. Moving forward, Dropbox is shifting towards a metered approach to ensure fair usage and resource sustainability.

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Source: Dropbox

New customers enrolling in the Dropbox Advanced plan will now receive an initial allocation of 15TB of storage. This storage capacity can house approximately 100 million documents or 7500 hours of HD video content. An extra 5TB of storage will be provided for each additional license added. The existing Advanced plan users who utilize less than 35TB per license will retain their current storage capacity. This covers about 99% of users using this plan. These users will also benefit from an additional 5TB for five years at no extra cost.

While this shift may seem unique to Dropbox, it mirrors a broader industry trend. Google, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft have all reevaluated their cloud storage pricing, moving away from unlimited offerings. However, Box remains an outlier and still continues to promote unlimited storage for its enterprise solutions.

Dropbox’s decision reflects its commitment to offering a reliable experience for all users. By addressing misuse and adapting to industry trends, Dropbox continues to evolve as a key player in the cloud storage landscape.

OPPO Find N3 Flip to Debut on August 29, 2023, with the OPPO Watch 4 Pro

The upcoming wave of foldable devices from OPPO is starting to take shape, with clear glimpses into what’s to come. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has begun teasing its Find N3 Flip and the Watch 4 Pro smartwatch on Weibo, setting a confirmed launch date for later this month on August 29.

The promotional content showcases the Find N3 Flip in a champagne-gold hue, giving us a sneak peek at its new circular triple-camera setup. This innovative departure from its predecessor, the N2 Flip, introduces a triple-camera arrangement, a first for flip-style foldables. The LED flash is positioned just below the Hasselblad-backed container.

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Adjacent to the camera array is the external cover screen. This display, expected to measure around 3 inches based on rumours, is oriented vertically on the cover panel – a design choice unique to the Find N3 Flip.

A teaser video featuring Actress and Model, Shu Qi, gives us a glimpse of the upcoming foldable and its UI.

Together with the OPPO Find N3 Flip, OPPO also shared images of the Watch 4 Pro. It looks like the company will be keeping the Watch 3’s design, however, it does appear like the Watch 4 Pro boasts a slightly curved glass layer and features a physical button and rotating crown on its right side.

The Watch 4 Pro’s specifications have been teased, including confirmation of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip – the same as its predecessor. The Watch 4 Pro is equipped with ECG, temperature, and SpO2 sensors that continue the line’s fitness and health focus. It’s also rumoured to come with over 85 apps and 2GB of RAM.

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Rumours of the Find N3 Flip point to the foldable having a 6.8-inch internal display, akin to the OPPO Find N2 Flip. The circular triple-camera array is rumoured to comprise a 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a 32MP telephoto lens.

What sets the Find N3 Flip apart is the inclusion of the telephoto lens, a departure from competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Motorola Razr Plus, which omit such a feature.

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It also looks like OPPO has already started pre-orders for the FInd N3 Flip on its Weibo page. Users in China are able to pre-order their device with a CNY1 deposit. The pre-order entitles customers to the Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds, a phone case, 2 years battery replacement, a 180-day 1 to 1 replacement, a trade-in value of up to CNY1,200 for your old device, and a CNY379 mystery gift.

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In a nutshell, OPPO’s Find N3 Flip is looking to make waves with its advanced camera setup, while the Watch 4 Pro promises enhanced capabilities and performance. Stay tuned for more updates!

Meta’s Threads is Now Accessible on Web Browsers

It seems like the initial rumblings of Threads making its way to web browsers were true. Meta’s Twitter (now known as X) competitor is no longer restricted to mobile devices. You’ll be able to login to Threads via threads.net.

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The new Threads homepage now sports a login page with a QR code which leads to the relevant app stores for the mobile app. Of course, it goes without saying that you will be logging in with your Instagram account details. You’re given the option to sign in with your email, username or phone number and your password. If you encounter a message instructing you to “set up your profile using the Threads app” while using your email, there’s no need for concern. If you’ve already completed this step, one of the alternative methods may serve as a suitable solution.

Threads’s web interface is pretty straightforward and minimal. The centre of the screen is emblazoned with your feed. At the bottom left, you have a toggle to switch between your “Following” and “For You” feeds. Of course, if you’ve been following the developments at Threads, you’ll know that the latter has content recommended by the algorithm included in the feed while the “Following” feed only contains content exclusively from accounts you follow.

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Platform navigation is parked at the top. You’ll see quick navigation buttons for home, search, new post, notifications and your profile. Other options like logging out and reporting problems are in a dropdown menu on the top right. You also have the option to create a new post by simply starting to type in the space beside your profile image.

The new web version of threads will no doubt be a welcomed development for those managing multiple accounts. However, the one feature not yet available on the web version is the ability to switch between accounts. Knowing the team behind Threads, it’s probably already being worked on.

It feels like Threads is gearing up to do big things – but there’s one caveat to that – that activity on the platform continues to pick up. Meta’s answer to Twitter’s slow demise was initially all the rage with rapid adoption and increasing interactions on the platform, however, the platform hasn’t managed to stay top of mind. Time will only tell if Meta’s Threads will be able to stick its landing and expand its reach.

Samsung’s Upping Its Gaming Offerings with a New Odyssey Neo G9 Monitor & Starfield on the Samsung Gaming Hub

Hold onto your seats, gamers – Samsung has just dropped two new gaming monitors: the Odyssey Neo G9 57″ and Odyssey Ark 55″. Freshly unveiled at Gamescom 2023, these monitors are upping the ante for Samsung’s gaming offerings and also making things wider than ever before.

Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch: Immersion Takes Centerstage

The Odyssey Neo G9 57-inch (G95NC) boasts the world’s first Dual Ultra-High-Definition (DUHD) screen. It offers an immersive 1000R curvature that envelops users in the game or content with an expansive field of view. This monitor features Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology that utilises the company’s award-winning Quantum Mini LED lighting, delivering deeper blacks and brighter whites while minimising the usual blooming effect.

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The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 comes with The VESA DisplayHDR™1000 certification. This promises vivid clarity for HDR-enabled content with details even in the darkest shades for your competitive edge and viewing pleasure. It also indicates that HDR content is displayed vividly and authentically, with accurate colours and contrast. The monitor’s impressive 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms grey-to-grey (GtG) response time minimizes blurring, enabling seamless gameplay. It comes complete with AMD FreeSync™ Premium Pro technology which allows high-resolution gaming without graphical tearing and smooth transitions as well as lag-free gaming.

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(Source: Samsung) Full Specs of the Odyssey Neo G9

Connectivity options are robust, featuring VESA-certified DisplayPort (DP) 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and a USB hub. This streamlined setup caters to both gaming and multimedia needs.

Odyssey Ark 55-inch: Elevating Visual Engagement

The Odyssey Ark 55″ builds on its predecessor’s success as the world’s first 1000R curved gaming screen. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time, this monitor promises fluid visuals and minimal latency. The addition of Cockpit Mode introduces a fresh perspective with the Ark’s signature vertical orientation.

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Samsung’s MultiView brings the ability to view streams from the three HDMI inputs and DisplayPort 1.4 at the same time; maximising the large 55-inch display of the Ark. This new enhancement improves split-screen capabilities, providing an organized setup for focused gameplay and advanced productivity.

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(Source: Samsung) Full Specs of the Odyssey Ark

One screen to rule them all that is what the new Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) switch feature is built for. It turns the Odyssey Ark 55-inch into your command center, making it your central interface for multiple connected devices. It enhances multitasking across various devices, simplifying control with a single mouse and keyboard setup.

Gaming Beyond the Monitor: “Starfield” on Samsung Gaming Hub

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It’s not all about the monitors for Samsung at Gamescom either. Bethesda Game Studios’ much-anticipated game, “Starfield,” will be accessible through the Samsung Gaming Hub with an Xbox Game Pass subscription starting September 6. This collaboration offers a new way to access and stream cloud games on supported 2023 TVs and monitors, including the Samsung Neo QLED 8K.

Dell’s 24-inch Touch USB-C Hub Monitor is Now Available in Malaysia

Dell is turning up the heat when it comes to displays. The company has just announced the availability of a new hub monitor with touch capabilities. The new Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor is built to help users create and be productive in a clutter-free environment.

The new 24-inch monitor comes with an ergonomic stand designed to work as a monitor and an interactive touch surface. The monitor is designed to fit seamlessly in any environment – retail, warehouse, home and office. More importantly, it’s designed to keep your workspace clutter-free and adapt to your workstyle. With its articulating stand, the monitor is able to move downwards at a 60-degree angle with a comfortable height and orientation for touch interaction.

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It’s not just about viewing experiences with the new Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor (P2424HT), it’s about being able to interact and be productive no matter how you work best. With its 10-point touch capability, the monitor allows you to zoom with an intuitive pinch, drag a file or folder with a press, or swipe to see the next slide. The intuitive gestures will not only allow you to interact with Windows but also design and fine-tune to meet what you see with your fingertips.

Connectivity is a key hallmark of the monitor. The monitor is built to provide quick and easy connectivity with a single-cable USB-C connectivity offering up to 90W power delivery and a single RJ45 allows for stable, wired connectivity via ethernet. There are two readily accessible USB ports on the side of the P2424HT for quick and easy plugging in of accessories. The built-in HDMI and DisplayPort round out the connectivity features of the monitor.

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With all these features, it wouldn’t be surprising to think that Dell may have slacked off with the display itself. However, that isn’t the case. The Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor comes with an IPS display which has 99% covers of the sRGB gamut.

Pricing & Availability

The Dell 24 Touch USB-C Hub Monitor is currently available in the Dell online store for MYR1,959 in Malaysia and USD$519.99 internationally.

Meta’s Threads Gets More Updates & Inches Closer to the Web Browser

Meta launched Threads back in July when the internet was rife with the potential death of Twitter. The social network launched in a very barebones state having the most essential features and literally launching initially only on Android. The social network seems to have lost some of the initial hype but is continuing to introduce more features.

With the launch of broadcast channels on Instagram, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, has been keeping the community abreast of the developments happening at Instagram and on Threads. Since the launch, threads has seen the introduction of many new features the most recent features include the ability to send Threads on Instragram’s DM using share button, the ability to sort the accounts you follow and the ability to add custom alt-text to images.

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Photo by Viralyft on Unsplash

This week, the app is getting another round of feature additions. This time the updates come in the form of updates to user profiles on Threads. Users will now have a new Reposts tab which shows followers the posts on Threads you have reposted and from whom. In addition, reposts can now be seen in the Following feed. The Following feed, which was introduced about three weeks ago, is a feed exclusively to view updates from profiles you follow on Threads. Similar to the Following feed on Instagram, the feed doesn’t include recommendations from Thread’s algorithm.

The bigger update comes from third party reports. It’s being reported that Meta is gearing up for the launch of the web version of Threads. This is perhaps one of the biggest features being requested by Threads users and the one most sorely lacked by the social network. If you go to Threads.net now, you’ll be greeted by a holding page asking you to download the app on iOS and Android.

However, if these reports are true, the web version is around the corner. In fact, over the weekend, Mosseri, himself, mentioned the web version of the social network. However, he mentioned that the web version is “a little bit too buggy right now…” but continued to tease the release.

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Photo by Nik on Unsplash

According to The Wall Street Journal, people familiar with Meta’s plans indicate that the company plans to launch the web version of the social platform early this week. That information comes with a caveat, though. According to the same sources, these plans are not final and could change.

The web version would be one of the final features to make Threads a viable alternative for X (formerly known as Twitter) and its alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky. It could also be the one feature that will bring brands, publishers and more users to the platform.

ASUS Goes Ape with new BAPE® Edition Vivobook S 15 OLED

ASUS and A BATHING APE are about to rock your world with a supped-up laptop! The two brands are collaborating to bring you signature ASUS quality infused with BAPE®style. The collaboration brings BAPE’s design style to ASUS’s popular Vivobook S 15 OLED. The new Vivobook S 15 OLED comes with an exclusive BAPEx ASUS design meticulously photo-light-etched into the metallic lid of the Vivobook S 15 OLED.

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The collaboration isn’t just about aesthetics either. It’s bringing a real punch in terms of internals. The Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE edition comes with an Intel Core i9-13900H processor with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD memory and a stunning 2.8K OLED display. The display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut. Of course, those specifications are not something new when it comes to the Vivobook S 15 OLED. In fact, it’s the top-of-the-line specifications that are available for the lineup.

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However, A BATHING APE has put its own spin on it with a unique, ASUS-exclusive design that brings the whimsy and class of the BAPE aesthetic to the Zenbook. Photo-etched to the metallic lid of the Vivobook S 15 is a camouflage which features BAPE’s mascot ape. In addition to this, the special BAPE edition Vivobook will also come bundled with a bevvy of accessories which carry the ASUS-exclusive design. In the bundle are a BAPE Edition Carry bag, a BAPE edition ASUS Marshmallow mouse, a special BAPE Edition BABY MILO figurine, BAPE Edition Keyboard stickers and limited edition BAPE edition stickers. The BABY MILO figurine also has its very own limited edition BAPE Vivobook too!

The Vivobook S 15 OLED BAPE Edition will be available in two colours – a silver laptop which is paired with a Blue coloured version of the BAPE accessories and a Midnight Black colour which comes with a Green coloured version of the BAPE accessories.

Pricing & Availability

The Vivobook S 15 OLED comes in Midnight Black and Silver paired with Green and Blue BAPE Edition accessories respectively. The bundle will be priced at MYR6,499 and will be available starting 18 August 2023.

It’s Now Easier to Invest in ASNB with GOinvest on Touch ‘n Go E-wallet

Touch ‘n Go Digital (TNGD) is making the Touch ‘n Go eWallet even more feature-packed with a new partnership with Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB). The new partnership will bring ASNB’s fund management platform to Touch ‘n Go Wallet via GOinvest. The new partnership will complement the 9 unit trusts that are currently available on GOinvest.

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Source: ASNB

The partnership brings ASNB investment management to users’ fingertips. Existing ASNB unitholders will be able to manage their investments without the need to physically visit a branch or agent. The ASNB dashboard on Touch n’ Go Wallet will enable users to check their portfolio performance and make new investments at any time. It also allows users to view a breakdown of ASNB’s units trusts, review their 5 latest transactions for each invested fund, subscribe to new funds and invest in current funds. Users will also be able to manage their dependent’s account on the dashboard.

How To Access ASNB On Your Touch 'n Go eWallet

New unitholders will be able to access the same dashboard after completing the online registration and onboarding process on the myASNB app. This separation is due to the need to use ASNB’s internal eKYC system for onboarding. However, once the process is completed, all future transactions and account management can be done on the Touch n’ Go eWallet app.

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(From left to right) Mr Desmond Teoh, Head of Financial Services and Mr Alan Ni, Chief Executive Officer of TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd. with Encik Muzzaffar bin Othman, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director and Encik Mohd Azlan Masood, Chief Operating Officer of ASNB in an engaging session with members of the media.

ASNB unit trusts are available to Malaysians from birth. Newborn accounts need to be opened in person over the counter or at any ASNB Kiosk while those 18 years or older simply need to do it online via the myASNB app. These unit trusts are categorised into two categories: Fixed Price Funds and Variable Price Funds. Touch ‘n Go eWallet will be offering 17 ASNB funds. These are:

Fixed Price FundsVariable Price Funds
Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB)
Amanah Saham Bumiputera 2 (ASB 2)
Amanah Saham Bumiputera 3 Didik (ASB 3 Didik)
Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM)
Amanah Saham Malaysia 2 – Wawasan (ASM 2 Wawasan)
Amanah Saham Malaysia 3 (ASM 3)
Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN)
ASN Equity 2
ASN Equity 3
ASN Equity 5
ASN Equity Global
ASN Imbang 1
ASN Imbang 2
ASN Imbang 3 Global
ASN Sara 1
ASN Sara 2
ASN Sukuk

ASNB investments on Touch n’ Go eWallet also makes investing even more accessible with a low initial investment of MYR10. To make things a little sweeter, TNGD and ASNB are running the Labur Online Laju (LOL) cashback campaign. Between 16 August 2023 and 30 September 2023, users who subscribe to ASNB Investments GOinvest on the eWallet will receive a cashback. Users who invest a minimum of MYR10 in any ASNB Unit Trust will receive an MYR1 cashback while those who invest more than MYR500 in any Variable Price fund will receive an additional MYR10 cashback.

TNGD ASNB roadshow

If you’re interested to learn more in person, the LOL roadshow is happening at Setia City Mall from 16 until 20 August 2023. There will be booths and agents on the ground to help with opening an ASNB account. There will also be activities and freebies throughout.

Email-based Phishing Attacks Up 464% in H1 2023

Acronis Mid-Year Cyberthreats Report

Acronis has published its Mid-Year Cyberthreats Report, revealing concerning trends in the cybersecurity landscape. The report highlights a 464% increase in email-based phishing attacks in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ChatGPT to craft malicious content and conduct cyberattacks. Acronis states that ransomware remains a dominant threat to small and medium-sized businesses. This is mainly due to attackers leveraging AI-created malware to avoid detection by traditional antiviruses.

The cyberattack landscape is evolving

Acronis Mid Year Cyberthreats Report Top 5 Trends

In the report, Acronis also emphasizes the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks. These attacks utilize AI and existing ransomware code to penetrate victims’ systems and extract valuable data, making detection more challenging. Cybercriminals use public AI models to find source code vulnerabilities and develop attacks (including deep fakes).

Additionally, the study shows that phishing is the primary method cybercriminals use to steal login credentials. The use of large language model-based AI platforms has enabled cybercriminals to create, automate, and scale new attacks more efficiently. The report reveals a growing number of data stealers who exploit stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Breaches demonstrate major security concerns

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Acronis points out some major security concerns that contribute to successful breaches, including a lack of strong security solutions to detect zero-day vulnerabilities, delayed updates of vulnerable software, and inadequate protection for Linux servers. Moreover, some organizations fail to follow proper data backup protocols, which can lead to severe consequences during attacks.

Acronis encourages companies to take a proactive stance in cyber protection. A comprehensive cybersecurity posture requires a multi-layered solution that combines various security measures. This includes anti-malware, email security, vulnerability assessments, backup capabilities and more. The report also includes steps that companies can take to increase their cyber protection:

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If you are interested to read the full Acronis Mid-Year Cyberthreats Report 2023, click here.

PlayStation Games Catalogue Roundup: August 2023

The PlayStation Plus Game Catalog is bringing even more fun this August with a lineup that’s bound to have you glued to your screens. So, let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for us this month!

Sea of Stars: Unleash Eclipse Magic

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 10

First up, we’ve got “Sea of Stars,” an enchanting turn-based RPG that lets you harness the incredible power of Eclipse Magic. Join the adventure of two Children of the Solstice as they team up to take down the evil alchemist, The Fleshmancer. Developer Sabotage is on a mission to blend nostalgic RPG vibes with modern turn-based combat and storytelling. Are you ready to embark on a celestial journey?

Moving Out 2: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 9

It’s time to flex those muscles (and your funny bone) in “Moving Out 2.” The Furniture Arrangement and Relocation Technicians (F.A.R.Ts) are back, and they’re packing even more outrageous challenges and hilarious moves. But here’s the twist – now you can team up with your friends online and take furniture moving to a whole new level. Time to show off your furniture-finessing skills!

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen – Uncover Cosmic Secrets

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 8

Guardians, listen up! “Destiny 2: The Witch Queen” is here to take you on an epic journey into Savathûn’s mysterious Throne World. Uncover the truth behind her Light-stealing escapades, wield the new Glaive weapon type, and dive into an intricate web of power and corruption. It’s time to gear up and get ready for some cosmic battles that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!

Lost Judgment: Solve the Perfect Crime

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 7

Calling all sleuths! “Lost Judgment” is your ticket to a riveting crime-solving adventure. Join detective Takayuki Yagami and his partner as they dive headfirst into a tangled web of conspiracy and revenge. From seemingly perfect crimes to unlikely factions, this game has all the twists and turns to keep you hooked. Will you choose to uphold the law or seek your own justice?

Classic Catalogue updates and Creative Dreams

But wait, there’s more! The classics are making a triumphant return with “MediEvil: Resurrection,” “Ape Escape: On the Loose,” and “Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice.” Relive those nostalgia-packed moments with enhanced features that bring these beloved titles back to life.

Playstation Plus Games Catalogue August 3

And if you’re feeling creative, “Dreams” is your playground to bring your wildest ideas to life. Craft games, music, animations, and more in this ever-evolving universe of imagination. Plus, don’t miss out on the heartwarming adventure of “Tren,” a game that explores the transformative power of play.

So, there you have it – the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for August 2023 is bringing a diverse mix of excitement, creativity, and classic nostalgia.

Don’t forget, you have to be subscribed to PlayStation Plus on the Deluxe or Extra tiers to get access to the PlayStation Games Catalogue. Currently, the plans are priced at MYR50 a month for the Deluxe tier which comes with extra features and MYR44 a month for the Extra tier.