Category Archives: News

Samsung Marries AI with Robot Vacuums in the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo

It seems like CES 2024 is going to be jam-packed with announcements. Samsung is joining the likes of LG in teasing a few of its announcements ahead of the expo happening in Las Vegas from 9th to 12th January 2024. However, with its tease of a brand new lineup of vacuums, a theme is beginning to emerge for the company’s products for the year – AI.

The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo is, as the name indicates, a combo robot vacuum and mop. Samsung is not calling the robot cleaner an AI-enabled device though. Instead, the company is calling it an AI-applied device. Samsung is building on the foundations of its Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ with the new enhancements that the new Bespoke Jet Bot Combo is bringing.

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Source: Samsung

Most notable among the enhancements in the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo is the improved AI Object Recognition. The new AI Object Recognition comes with an expanded number of objects that can be recognised as well as more precise driving thanks to the 3D sensor. It’s also bringing improvements that allow it to recognise spaces and stains for a more optimised cleaning experience. The AI allows for better space recognition that allows it to recognise different spaces like the kitchen, the living room and the bedroom. It will also be able to automatically suggest “no-go” zones like the bathroom, veranda or entrance. So you’ll be able to tell the vacuum to avoid those areas.

The Bespoke Jet Bot Combo can even sense the floor type for enhanced cleaning with a new feature called AI Floor Detect. This feature allows the robot to differentiate between hard floors and carpeting. It also helps prevent carpets from getting damp and wet from the mop pads. This feature also allows the Jet Bot to raise and lower the mop pads when needed. It can even detach the mop pads at the base for cleaning carpeted areas or preventing cross-contamination.

The base provides a more intelligent cleaning experience. It uses a high-temperature steam for sterilization for cleaning of the mop pads. This can be done mid-cleaning when the Jet Bot detects that it is cleaning a stain. After cleaning the base uses a 3-step total cleaning system which automatically washes the pads, steam sterilizes and dries the mops with hot air.

Pricing & Availability

Samsung has not revealed any pricing details just yet. However, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo will be at the company’s CES 2024 booth in Las Vegas.

LG’s 2024 QNED & QNED Mini LED TVs Come with Chromecast Built-in

LG‘s TV line up just got a little bit interesting for 2024 with Chromecast functionality finally coming built-in to the new systems. Ahead of CES 2024, LG has taken the opportunity to announce a refresh to its QNED and QNED Mini LED TVs. Notably missing in its refresh announcement is the company’s OLED TVs which we’re certain will take center stage at CES 2024.

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Source: LG

The new LG QNED and QNED Mini LED TVs will be coming with one of three different processors: the α9 AI Processor, the α8 AI Processor and the α5 AI Processor. Higher end lines like the QNED99T models will be equipped with the α9 AI Processor. While mid-range lines like the QNED90T and QNED85T will feature an upgraded α8 AI Processor. The processor brings an impressive 30% improvement in AI performance over the previous and a 230% increase in graphical performance. The chip is the brains behind the upscaling and AI capabilities we’re used to seeing in LG’s smart TVs. The lower end models in the QNED80T lineup will be running on LG’s lower-end α5 AI Processor.

A Supersized 2024 LG QNED & QNED Mini LED Lineup

The 2024 QNED and QNED Mini LED TVs are supersized. Capping out at 98-inches with the LG QNED85T line. That said, all the new QNED and Mini LED TVs will be available in 43-,50-,55-,65-,75- and 86-inch sizes. These TVs come with LCD display technology and Quantum Dot and Nanocell technology depending on their product lines. The higher models in the line up will come with QNED (Quantum Dot and Nanocell) panels for the display while mid- and lower-end models will come with LCD panels.

Together with the hardware, the LG TV line up will be coming with a lot of the features we’ve come to expect from LG’s TVs. This includes AI upscaling, AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro. AI Sound Pro, which was introduced back in 2021, brings 9.1.2 surround sound to the native without a soundbar. More notably, LG is bringing Chromecast technology to the 2024 lineup of TVs. This feature was noticeably absent for year as LG has already enabled AirPlay 2.

The new line up will come with webOS 24 out of the box. LG is providing 5 years of software updates for its TVs moving forward as part of its webOS Re:new program. This will also apply to retroactively to LG’s 2022 line up of QNED 8K TVs. More details on which models will be provided at a later date.

Pricing & Availability

LG hasn’t announced any pricing or availability information at the time of writing. However, the TVs are being displayed in Las Vegas as part of CES 2024.

Canon Marketing Malaysia Announces New Strategic Leadership

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Canon Marketing Malaysia has announced changes to its strategic leadership, set to take effect on 2 January 2024. These appointments are poised to drive growth and foster innovation in the Malaysian market.

Masato Yoshiie Assumes Role of President and CEO

Masato Yoshiie succeeds Shunji Yoshikai as President and CEO. Yoshiie brings a wealth of experience across Canon’s global operations, along with a track record of steering successful business expansions and product launches. His deep understanding of Asian markets and customer-centric vision will be a driving force for Canon’s new chapter in Malaysia.

Edward Chang to Lead Image Communication Business Division

Edward Chang steps up as the Head of Image Communication Business (ICB) Division, succeeding Hunter Zhang. Chang, equipped with marketing and brand development expertise will play the pivotal role in steering Canon’s BIS business towards sustainable growth.

Jeffrey Kung Takes the Reins of Business Imaging Solution Division

Jeffrey Kung assumes the role of Head of Business Imaging Solution (BIS) Division, stepping into Masato Yoshiie’s former position. Kung’s extensive expertise positions him to guide customers through the complexities of digitalization and hybrid work using BIS’s innovative solutions. His capabilities extend across SME, corporate, and business partner domains.

As Canon Malaysia prepares for this leadership transition, the company has set its sights to continue innovating imaging solutions and achieving customer satisfaction. For more details about its new leadership appointments, visit Canon Malaysia’s official website.

LG CineBeam Qube 4K Projector Announced Ahead of CES 2024

Just as 2023 was coming to a close, LG was busy sneaking in product announcements. One of the announcements is the LG CineBeam Qube 4K which rethinks a projector for the modern home. The newly announced projector looks to be tagging along with LG at the upcoming CES 2024 showcase in Las Vegas.

LG CineBeam Qube 1
Source: LG

The LG CineBeam Qube 4K is a projector after our own hearts. It’s a stylish projector designed to not only project high-quality video but also blend into any decor. The compact projector comes in at only 1.49kg weight and measures only 80mm x 135mm x 135mm. It’s most literally a cube. Let’s not forget about the 360° handle. LG intends the Qube to be a “stylish art objet” with a minimalist design aesthetic.

The projector is able to project in 4K UHD with a resolution of 3,840×2,160 pixels. The LG CineBeam Qube 4K isn’t a traditional projector, it’s an RGB laser projector with 500 ANSI Lumens of brightness. The Qube also comes with a 450,000:1 contrast ratio and covers 154% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. It supports screen sizes between 50 and 120 inches with a minimum throw ratio of 1.2. The Qube also supports Auto Screen Adjustment and HDR 10. It has HDMI with eARC connectivity and USB-C. If you want to go wireless, you should be able to screen share on Android or AirPlay on Apple devices.

Pricing & Availability

LG hasn’t announced any official pricing just yet. However, if you’re in the Las Vegas area, you should be able to get your glimpse at the projector at CES 2024.

Microsoft Shut Downs its Windows Mixed Reality Software

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Image Source: Microsoft

Microsoft has shut down its Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) in a quiet update tucked away among other outdated Windows features that were recently released, listing out the many different softwares, apps, and modes being decrypted and shut down.

WMR came from Microsoft’s goal to have its own program when the AR/VR market began to be popular around 2017. HTC and Oculus (now Meta) were the reigning winners then, but Microsoft had a different vision. Instead of focusing primarily on VR immersion, WMR adopted the mixed reality concept, in which digital aspects blend seamlessly with the physical world. This vision piqued the interest of both developers and customers, promising a future in which education and entertainment could ascend higher in a more fufilling experience.

A flurry of headsets from partners such as Acer, Dell, and HP entered the market supported with WMR programs, providing a less expensive alternative to Oculus and HTC. The platform included an easy-to-use interface and access to an extensive library of VR games and experiences. They also joined the enterprise sphere, discovering uses in product design and remote collaboration.

Sadly, despite its initial promise, WMR had several difficulties. Many of these were due to technical restrictions. The virtual surroundings felt less polished and responsive when compared to competitors. The absence of standout apps and memorable experiences hindered its appeal to die-hard VR fans. While it was advertised at low prices, the quality control difficulties with its headsets impacted the user’s experience.

Besides that, some internal issues at Microsoft had a role in the flunking of WMR. The resignation of HoloLens leader Alex Kipman and, more significantly, company-wide cutbacks impacted the division in charge of WMR. As a result, updates and new features were reduced to a trickle, leaving its software stagnant.

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HoloLens 2 Industrial Edition. Image Source: Microsoft

However, Microsoft’s departure from WMR does not indicate a complete withdrawal from the AR/VR market. Microsoft still has hopes for HoloLens 2 for business applications. They have added a recent free update to Windows 11 and has additional functionalities.

Furthermore, Microsoft is still pushing for VR uses, such as their Microsoft Mesh App. Their collaboration with Meta allows Quest users to use apps like Word and Excel in VR, blurring the distinction between physical and digital workspaces. It is also to be noted that their latest collaborations include Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows gamers to access their Xbox Cloud libraries and games to their heart’s content via the Quest headsets.

Huawei’s Latest MateBook D 16 & MatePad Pro 13.2 Up for Pre-order Ahead of Official Launch

Huawei is about to launch its latest additions to both its tablet and laptop lineups. The MateBook D 16 and MatePad Pro 13.2 are the latest in a bevy of devices that have made 2023 the start of a potentially huge comeback for the company.

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The MateBook D 16 and MatePad Pro 13.2 are the latest in what seems to be a fine-tuning of devices to take the Harmony OS ecosystem to the next level. They continue to have robust interconnectivity with Super Device and SuperHub features. This feature continues to bridge the interconnectivity gap between devices to supercharge productivity and creativity.

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The new Huawei MateBook D16 comes with configurations supporting up to a 13th-generation Intel Core i9 processor with Intel IRIS Xe graphics. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The 16-inch FullView display is the hallmark of a laptop focused on bridging that gap between productivity and creativity. Huawei is looking to help you get more done with a screen with a 16:10 golden aspect ratio. It’s even got low blue light certification for those long work sessions. Huawei has even upped the ante when it comes to cooling with dual-fin fans that are both quiet and better at cooling.

The new MatePad Pro 13.2 bolsters Huawei’s lineup of tablets with one of the slimmest tablets ever. Coming in at only 3.4mm, the MatePad Pro 13.2 packs a punch in the slimmest form factor ever! While Huawei remains mum on the processor in the MatePad Pro 13.2, its 13.2-inch screen and 94% screen-to-body ratio make it stand out. Huawei is also incorporating Glass Fibre in the rear cover of the tablet; this provides added scratch and impact resistance.

The tablet is built for both entertainment and work with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 2880×1920 pixel resolution, and support for accessories like the M-Pencil Smart Keyboard. Underneath the flexible OLED display is a six-speaker audio system with 4 subwoofers and 2 tweeters. The tablet is also the first to support Near Link in the M-Pencil. This gives the M-Pencil latencies and better pressure sensitivity.

Pricing & Availability

Both the Huawei MateBook D 16 and the MatePad Pro 13.2 are up for pre-order now. From now until January 10, 2024, purchases of the Huawei MateBook D 16 and MatePad Pro 13.2 made on Huawei’s Official Shopee storefront will entitle buyers to a piece of the RM6,620 worth of prizes up for grabs.

By placing an RM50 deposit, you could get items like the Huawei Watch 3, the Huawei Freebuds Studio, and more. Winners for this randomised draw will be announced every three days.

Haier Malaysia Introduces New 2024 Catalogue of Home Appliances

Haier is no stranger to home appliances. In fact, the brand has been recognized internationally as the number 1 brand across multiple categories including washing machines, water heaters, and more. 2024 seems to be the point at which AIoT takes center stage for Haier as their product lineups continue to adopt features like WiFi and more AIoT-centred functionalities.

Keeping Things Chill & Healthy with New Air Solutions

Haier’s lineup will be bolstered with the introduction of two new line-ups of air conditioners. The new UV Cool Premium (VXA) and UV Cool Smart (VRA) series of air conditioners will feature built-in Wi-Fi modules that enable seamless control from your smartphones. This will, naturally, be available through the Haismart application.

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In addition, these air conditioners incorporate UVC sterilization technology. This technology helps destroy bacteria and viruses in the air by emitting UVC rays which has been certified by Texcell and SGS to have a 99.991% efficacy in removing pathogens including the SARS-CoV-2. These features are also making it into Haier’s commercial air conditioners.

Smarter Food Storage with the Haismart App

Together with smarter, more health-centric air conditioners, Haier will also be bringing Haismart app functionality to their brand-new HRF-IM758LXG (B) 4-door refrigerator. With the new refrigerator, you’ll be able to remotely manage your chilled foods and groceries. That’s not all, the Haismart app will also give you personalized recipes.

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The fridge itself comes with a built-in touchscreen that allows you to control the temperature and other settings directly. The new daylight feature will bring better illumination throughout the fridge.

Together with this model, Haier is also introducing HRF-IG585EM (GB) and HRF-IM585EM (FB) 4-door fridge models. These models round up the trio of new fridges that will come with a new Humidity Control System Plus that helps regulate the humidity levels in the crisper drawer. This allows you to store items like fruits and vegetables longer. There’s even a dry zone for items like ikan bilis.

If you’re into wines, the WS-198 and WS-118 wine chillers will allow you to better chill and store your collection with its Natural Air Flow System. This system allows for better temperature and humidity control. If you need to keep things on ice, they also have the UR-331BK, UR-261BK and UR-181BK upright freezers.

Washing with Smarter Convenience

Haier isn’t just keeping things cool. It’s also bringing the smarts to its washing machine lineup. The new BD14266S8 front-loading washer not only comes with Haismart app connectivity, but it also has a vivid Colour Ai display panel that allows you to more precisely control your washing. There’s also the BD2178S8 top-load washer that comes with Auto dosing to help you save on laundry supplies.

Meanwhile, when it comes to washing yourself, Haier is introducing the new K Series of water heaters. The new series comes with Shock Proof Technology to deal with electricity leakage and Earth-leakage circuit breaker (ELCB) failure. This helps prevent electric shock while bathing.

Helping You Cook Up A Storm

2024 is also the year for smarter cooking with Haier’s hob and hood lineup. The new HH-GT6907GB is a powerful, quiet hood that has a large bionic volute design for unrestricted airflow. This is complemented by the hood’s AI Smart Air Flow that dynamically adjusts to maintain air quality even when it comes to homes where long piping is needed.

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Of course, you’ll need a hob to complete your kitchen. In 2024, Haier is bringing three new hobs the HC-Q893STGB, the HC-Q872PTGB, and the HC-Q872PTDG. These hobs come with Haier’s Hob-to-hood connection that wirelessly connects the HH-GT6907GB hob with Bluetooth. This allows your Hood to auto-magically turn on as soon as your hob is turned on. They also come with timers that automatically cut off the gas supply once it runs out avoiding potentially deadly situations.

OLED TVs Take Center Stage

Rounding up the 2024 Haier catalog is its new lineup of OLED Smart TVs. Having already made their debut recently, the new H65C900UX (65-inch) and H55C900UX (55-inch) bring cutting-edge display technology. They bring some of the most requested features like 120Hz refresh rate, 4K resolution, and premium sound with Harman Kardon.

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All of these products are already making their way to stores in time for Christmas, New Year’s and the Lunar New Year festivities.

Square Enix Unveils The Next SaGa Game – SaGa Emerald Beyond

Square Enix recently hosted the SaGa Glimmerfest 2023 34th Anniversary Livestream. During the livestream, the publisher surprised everyone with the announcement of the next game in the series – SaGa Emerald Beyond. The latest instalment of the SaGa franchise is set to launch on April 25, 2024, on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC (Steam), and iOS and Android devices.

SaGa Emerald Beyond follows two protagonists in search of answers. The first, Tsunanori Mido, hails from the esteemed Mido family and stands out with a unique ability to control kugutsu puppets. He joins the Cathedral Project, a group exploring other worlds, with the goal of repairing his city’s weakening barrier and recovering lost spiritual energy.

SaGa Emerald Beyond – Tsunanori Mido Character Trailer

The other, Ameya Aisling, operates under the pseudonym Yumeha Izumi. She is a Miyako City schoolgirl with a hidden identity. Originating from Pulchra, she is in search of her lost mana. She follows the mysterious emerald waves in search of it. The two characters are just the tip of the iceberg as long-time SaGa players will know. The game will undoubtedly feature many other characters for us to fall in love with.

SaGa Emerald Beyond – Ameya Aisling Character Trailer

The new game will also be introducing new mechanics. The new Glimmer system is a unique take on the traditional JRPG battle styles. It will incorporate turn-based combat for those wanting a more vanilla JRPG. Players will need to level up their characters to learn new moves as they take down new enemies. You can also use powerful United Attacks with the right skills, tactics and Formation.

If this is your cuppa tea, you can now add SaGa Emerald Beyond to your wishlist on the Nintendo Switch store, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam. Pre-order details will be unveiled at a later date.

OnePlus 12 & OnePlus 12R Make Their Global Debut on January 23, 2024

The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R flagship devices are set to debut really soon. The global launch is scheduled for January 23, 2024. The new launch isn’t just a launch for OnePlus though, it marks the tenth anniversary of the brand.

Over the past decade, OnePlus has evolved from a daring idea into a globally recognized technology powerhouse. Today, the brand boasts a presence in over 50 markets and a community exceeding 50.2 million users. The end of October 2023 witnessed an impressive 59% growth in global sales year on year.

OnePlus Launch Event January 2024

To celebrate the huge milestone, celebrations are kicking off ahead of the OnePlus 12 and 12R launch. The kick-off starts with a video from the creators of OnePlus. However, celebrations will peak with the unveiling of the OnePlus 12 Series.

Announced earlier this month, the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R are set to recapture the brand’s “Never Settle” ethos by offering a user-centric choice-driven approach. The OnePlus 12 boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, a 4th Gen Hasselblad Camera for Mobile featuring a groundbreaking 64-megapixel 3x periscope lens, and its signature Flowy Emerald colourway for next year.

10 Years of Never Settle

The OnePlus 12R is set to raise the bar even further. The R line has upped the ante in India and China as the performance flagship phone. It’s now ready for the global stage. Both flagship phones are slated to debut at the OnePlus Smooth Beyond Belief Launch Event at 7:30 pm IST or 10 pm Malaysian time on January 23, 2024.

Touch ‘n Go Introduces a Charm for Christmas and a LUXE Card

Still on the hunt for that perfect festive gift? Look no further! Touch ‘n Go has just dropped two new items for your year-end holiday gifting: the Christmas Edition Charm and Touch ‘n Go LUXE Card – Titan Edition.

Adding a touch of holiday cheer, the Touch ‘n Go Christmas Edition Charm features two charming gingerbread man designs. With festive accessories like a red and green scarf or a bow tie and suspenders, this gingerbread charm makes for a unique and memorable gift for colleagues, family, or close friends.

Touch n Go Gingerbreadman Charm 1

The Touch ‘n Go LUXE Card – Titan Edition is the ideal choice for those opting for an elegant gift choice. This limited-edition card flaunts a sleek black matte finish with gold trimmings, offering a contemporary design suitable for minimalists or those who want a bold touch.

Both the charm and card don’t just look good – they’re functional too. Both come with NFC technology that allows users to easily reload their balance via the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app on their mobile phones.

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With a price tag of RM30 each, The Touch ‘n Go Christmas Edition Charms will be priced at RM30 while the LUXE Card will set you back RM25. You can pre-order them on the Touch ‘n Go Official Shopee Mall store and Touch ‘n Go eWallet Lazada eShop. If you prefer a more traditional approach, they will be available at Touch ‘n Go Service and Sales Centers in Bangsar South and NU Sentral starting from December 19 for the Charms and December 26 for the LUXE Card.