Category Archives: News

Business, News

Samsung Is Gearing Up for an XR Headset in the near Future

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Samsung teased its upcoming Extended Reality (XR) headset during the recent Galaxy Unpacked event. The device promises to be a major player in the burgeoning XR market, potentially going head-to-head with the likes of Apple’s Vision Pro and Play for Dream’s MR. It’s probably worth noting that this headset wouldn’t be Samsung’s first foray into AR and XR headsets – does anyone remember the Galaxy Gear?

Screenshot 2024 07 16 at 17 43 40 2 Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2024 Official Replay YouTube 1

As mentioned by TM Roh, the President of Samsung’s MX division, at Unpacked, the company is collaborating with Google on the software side, leveraging Google’s expertise to create a seamless and immersive user experience. This partnership hints at an Android-based XR platform, potentially offering a familiar and user-friendly interface for Android users.

Samsung has been tight-lipped about the headset’s technical specifications and design. However, based on industry rumours, we can expect a powerful processor capable of handling the demanding graphics required for a truly immersive XR experience. The headset might also feature high-resolution displays and advanced tracking technology for precise hand and eye movements within the virtual world.

Screenshot 2024 07 16 at 17 44 15 2 Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2024 Official Replay YouTube 1

While a consumer launch seems slated for March 2025, Samsung is planning a developer release much sooner. An early version of the headset, codenamed “Moohan”, is expected to be available to developers by October 2024. This allows developers to create and optimize content for the platform before the official consumer launch, ensuring a robust library of games, applications, and experiences available from day one.

The developer release expected later this year will be a key indicator of the platform’s capabilities and potential. Until then, we’ll have to wait with bated breath for more details about Samsung’s foray into the world of Extended Reality.

Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle, News

Apple’s HomePod Mini Now Comes in a Striking Midnight Colourway

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Apple has expanded its popular HomePod mini lineup with the introduction of a stylish new colour option – Midnight. Joining the existing white, blue, yellow, and orange options, the Midnight HomePod mini offers a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic that seamlessly integrates into any home environment.

Apple HomePod mini color lineup inline jpg.large 2x.jpg
Source: Apple

Despite the new colour, the core functionalities and design of the HomePod mini remain unchanged. This compact smart speaker continues to deliver impressive sound quality with its full-range driver, dual force-cancelling passive radiators, and Apple’s computational audio technology.

The HomePod mini thrives as the heart of your smart home, seamlessly connecting with your Apple devices to control a variety of accessories. Using intuitive voice commands via Siri, you can adjust lighting, control thermostats, manage smart plugs, and access a variety of other features.

Apple HomePod mini midnight
Source: Apple

Apple prioritizes user privacy and security within the HomePod mini. On-device intelligence ensures your requests are processed without sending information to the cloud unless explicitly requested. Additionally, features like personalized listening profiles and secure authentication further enhance user privacy.

The HomePod mini in Midnight doesn’t compromise on functionality. You can still utilize the intercom feature to broadcast announcements throughout your house, and pair two HomePod mini speakers for immersive stereo sound.

Pricing & Availability

The Apple HomePod mini in Midnight will be retailing for USD$99 internationally and for RM529 in Malaysia. It’s now available for order from Apple’s website and the Apple Store app While Apple hasn’t revealed the official pricing details for the Midnight HomePod mini in Malaysia, it is expected to be priced similarly to the existing colour options, which retail for RM99.

Business, News

Qualcomm Sues Transsion Holdings, Parent Company of Tecno and Infinix, Faces Over Patent Infringement

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Tech enthusiasts and budget-conscious smartphone users might be familiar with brands like Tecno, Infinix, and iTel. These popular names belong to Transsion Holdings, a major smartphone manufacturer based in China. However, Transsion is currently facing a legal challenge from a tech giant – Qualcomm – over alleged patent infringement.

Transsion Holdings

According to reports, Qualcomm has filed lawsuits against Transsion Holdings in India, China, and Europe. The lawsuit claims that Transsion’s smartphones utilize patented technologies developed by Qualcomm without acquiring the necessary licenses. While the specific patents in question haven’t been publicly disclosed, the lawsuit likely centres on essential mobile phone technologies protected by Qualcomm’s vast patent portfolio.

Qualcomm is a leading designer of semiconductors, particularly the Snapdragon processors that power countless smartphones. The company also holds a significant number of patents related to cellular communication and other mobile technologies. Traditionally, Qualcomm has generated revenue not only by selling its chips but also by licensing these patents to other phone makers.

The twist in this legal battle is that Transsion smartphones primarily use processors from MediaTek and Unisoc, Qualcomm’s competitors in the chip market. This raises the question: how exactly could Transsion be infringing upon Qualcomm’s patents if they aren’t using Qualcomm chips?

Source: Qualcomm

Experts suggest the lawsuit might target patents that extend beyond the physical chips themselves. These could be patents related to software functionalities, cellular communication protocols, or other aspects of smartphone operation that might be implemented in various chipsets, including those from MediaTek and Unisoc.

The outcome of this lawsuit remains to be seen. If Qualcomm prevails, Transsion might be forced to either obtain licenses for the infringed patents, potentially leading to increased production costs or modify their smartphone designs to avoid the infringing technologies. This, in turn, could impact the pricing or features of future Tecno, Infinix, and iTel devices.

While Qualcomm is a dominant player in the mobile chip market, Transsion is no small fry. The company is the world’s fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer, known for offering affordable and feature-packed devices in emerging markets. This lawsuit pits a tech giant against a budget smartphone leader, raising questions about the accessibility and affordability of future mobile technology.

As this legal battle unfolds, it’s important to stay informed about the details of the case and its potential impact on the smartphone landscape. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Camera, News

Sony Unveils the Next Generation ZV-E10 II and E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II Lens Kit

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Sony has announced the arrival of the ZV-E10 II, the second generation of its popular ZV-E10 APS-C camera designed specifically for content creators. Building upon the success of the original model, the ZV-E10 II offers a range of improvements and new features that cater to the needs of vloggers, YouTubers, and aspiring content creators on the go.

Sony ZV E10 II

The ZV-E10 II boasts an upgraded 26-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, promising superior image quality compared to its predecessor. This translates to sharper photos and clearer videos, even in low-light conditions. Autofocus capabilities have also seen a significant improvement, with features like Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, ensuring your subject remains in focus throughout the shot.

For aspiring filmmakers, the ZV-E10 II introduces the exciting Cinematic Vlog Setting. With a single touch, this feature optimizes video settings for a professional cinematic look, including aspect ratio, frame rate, and AF transition speed. Creators can further enhance their footage with a variety of Creative Look presets and Mood options, allowing them to express their unique style.

Introducing vlog camera ZV-E10 II | Sony | α

The ZV-E10 II continues to prioritize user-friendliness and ease of use for creators of all levels. The camera features a new vertical User Interface (UI) that automatically adjusts to the shooting orientation, making it perfect for creating content specifically for social media platforms. Additionally, the high-resolution vari-angle LCD monitor provides flexibility for framing shots from various angles.

Another practical feature for content creators is the improved battery life. The ZV-E10 II utilizes the upgraded Sony Z battery (NP-FZ100), offering extended recording times of up to 195 minutes on a single charge, allowing creators to capture uninterrupted footage for longer sessions.

Sony ZV E10 II 3

The ZV-E10 II prioritizes seamless connectivity for efficient post-production workflows. The camera features a USB 3.2 Type-C port that enables high-speed wired transfers to a compatible smartphone or PC. Creators can utilize the Sony Creators’ App for easy file transfer and sharing content directly on social media platforms.

The ZV-E10 II also caters to creators who livestream their content. With support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, users can stream high-quality live content directly to their preferred platforms.

The ZV-E10 II is often paired with the new E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II lens, making it a versatile kit perfect for various content creation needs. This compact and lightweight lens boasts a versatile 24-75mm (35mm full-frame equivalent) focal length, ideal for capturing a wide range of scenes, from close-up details to wider establishing shots.

Sony ZV E10 II 2

The E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II features a smooth power zoom mechanism that is well-suited for video recording, along with built-in optical image stabilization that works in conjunction with the camera’s in-body image stabilization for sharper, steadier footage.

Pricing and Availability

Sony has yet to announce the official pricing and pre-order details for the ZV-E10 II and the E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II Lens Kit in Malaysia. However, the camera and lens kit will be available in black starting from August 2024.

Stay tuned for further updates on pricing and pre-order information.

Computers, News

Malaysian Pre-Orders for the All-New AI-powered Surface Pro 11 & Surface Laptop 7 Are LIVE!

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Get ready to experience the future of computing with the arrival of the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition! Microsoft unveiled its latest Surface devices back in May. These innovations boast cutting-edge AI features, blazing-fast performance, and a commitment to user experience. More importantly, they’re up for pre-order in Malaysia right now!

Copilot Surface

Pre-orders for the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition are now open. Both the Surface devices will be priced from RM5,399.

From July 11th to August 5th, 2024, pre-ordering through Microsoft’s partner, SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd, grants you access to exclusive deals you won’t want to miss.

Pre-Order Perks:

  • Bundle Deals: Score bundle deals worth up to RM700, giving you valuable extras alongside your new Surface device.
  • PWP Deals: Take advantage of PWP (purchase-with-purchase) offers worth up to RM848, further maximizing your value.
  • GrabFood Voucher: Enjoy a delicious meal while setting up your new Surface with a complimentary GrabFood voucher worth RM80.

Preorders can be made at:

Here’s a quick recap of what the new Surface devices are bringing to the table.

Surface Pro 11: The Ultimate 2-in-1 for Pros on the Go

The Surface Pro 11th Edition is a flexible 2-in-1 device that can seamlessly transform from a tablet to a laptop. It comes with Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PC feature, harnessing the power of the built-in NPU on the Snapdragon X Series processor. Microsoft is using this to streamline workflow with AI-powered experiences. The Surface Pro 11 delivers a remarkable 14 hours of battery life, ensuring you can stay productive throughout your day without needing to scramble for a charger.

surface pro 11th edition black surface pro flex keyboard slim pen VP5 800x450

Powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors, the Surface Pro 11 is touted to be able to handle editing complex videos, rendering intricate 3D models, or simply juggling multiple demanding applications.

Surface Laptop 7: Elegance Meets Speed

The Surface Laptop 7th Edition is a sleek and stylish device that is geared for students, professionals, and anyone who demands both performance and aesthetics. It also integrates Microsoft’s Copilot+ which will be able to anticipate your needs and help you work smarter and faster. It comes with high-resolution display options available in both 13.8-inch and 15-inch configurations.

surface laptop 7th edition black 15 compare render copilot

The Surface Laptop is boasting about 20 hours of video playback on a single charge, you can work, play, and create without worrying about interruptions. The Surface Laptop 7 is powered by the same Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors as the Surface Pro 11, guaranteeing exceptional performance for all your computing needs.

Business, News

Dell Technologies PowerStore Prime Comes with Increased Data Resiliency & AI Augmentation

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Dell Technologies is bringing a slew of advancements to its PowerStore offering. The new offering delivers key improvements that augment and empower data resiliency, data and multi-cloud data mobility. With these improvements, Dell is also expanding its APEX portfolio with better, more powerful AIOps advancements and Kubernetes storage management.

Screenshot 2024 07 11 at 20 04 22 PowerStore Prime Dell Technologies United States

Dell’s PowerStore offering has been augmented with new features that increase performance, efficiency and security. The new PowerStore Prime offers quad-level cell (QLC) based storage. This lowers the cost per terabyte compared to previously used triple-level cell (TLC) based storage. With QLC-based storage, organizations can start with as little as 11 QLC drives and quickly scale up to 5.9 petabytes of effective capacity per appliance. Dell further augments this with intelligent load-balancing capabilities that are built into PowerStorage itself. This will optimise workload placement across QLC and TLC clusters leading to better cost efficiency and up to 66% uplift in hardware performance through data-in-place higher model appliance upgrades.

PowerStore Prime also comes with a bevvy of software updates that also help increase efficiency, security and cloud mobility. These advancements are part and parcel of PowerStore Prime which comes at no additional cost to existing customers. Dell will be providing updates that deliver up to 30% higher mixed workload performance and 20% lower latency. It also delivers fortified data protection with a vast array of choices that allow customers to safeguard and backup workloads with native synchronous replication of block and file workloads and native metro replication for Windows, Linux and VMWare environments. All of this is done with an uplift of 28% in power efficiency and 20% better data reduction. These simplified workloads also empower data mobility in multi-cloud environments giving users increased flexibility to scale thanks to its connectivity to Dell APEX Block Storage.

Dell APEX AIOps Delivers Greater Agility and Control

Together with Dell PowerStorage Prime, Dell Technologies is also augmenting Dell APEX with AI-driven features to deliver better agility and control. Dell APEX AIOps will be offered in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. It delivers better infrastructure health and transparency with AI-driven full-stack observability and incident management.

AIOps blog image 1 v21

APEX AIOps increases observability with AI-powered solutions that allow IT administrators to better address issues that arise. Dell claims that the increased infrastructure observability allows up to 10X quicker response times than traditional approaches. AI-powered health, cybersecurity and sustainability monitoring deliver actionable insights complete with detailed problem-solving recommendations. with AIOps customers are able to reduce reduction time by up to 70% with full-stack application topologies analytics. It can also deliver better uptimes and shorter recovery times with AI-driven incident management.

L R Deepak Waghmare Richard Jeremiah Mak Chin Wah
(From left) Deepak Waghmare, Chief Technology Officer at Dell Technologies (APJ), Richard Jeremiah, General Manager Data Centre & Compute Solutions – South Asia at Dell Technologies (APJ), and Mak Chin Wah, Country Manager (Malaysia) at Dell Technologies, addressing the media during the launch of the Dell PowerStore Prime offering in Malaysia

Dell’s APEX Navigator is also being expanded to include workloads on Kubernetes. This will simplify Kubernetes storage management on Dell PowerFlex and, in the near future, Dell PowerScale as well as Dell APEX Cloud Platforma for Red Hat OpensShift. This is achieved with expanded advanced services like data replication, application mobility and container observability.

Availability

Dell PowerStore’s software enhancements are available right now. PowerStore’s QLC model and data-in-place higher model appliance will be available starting in July. PowerStore multi-cloud data mobility and APEX Naivgator for Kubernetes will be available in Q2 2024 while APEX AIOps Infrastructure Observability and Incident Management will be available in October 2024.

News

Samsung Introduces a Duo of New Galaxy Buds3

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Samsung is switching things up a little bit with the launch of not one – but two new entries into the Galaxy Buds lineup. The new Galaxy Buds3 series comes with updates and a total revamp of its design that will turn heads in more than one way.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 3

The new Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro take very different approaches to audio catering to a wider group of people. The vanilla Galaxy Buds3 isn’t Samsung’s typical earbuds – instead, Samsung has opted to make it a more open ear earbud. The Buds3 doesn’t come with the rubber tip that enters the ear canal, it rests right at the opening of the ear. The Buds3 Pro, on the other hand, continues the Galaxy Buds lineup of being in-ear earbuds complete with the rubber tip.

Both the Galaxy Buds come with a bid redesign. Samsung has ditched the old design language of the Galaxy Buds series and opted to have a stemmed design for the new Buds lineup. However, these stems aren’t just for show, they do have some thought put into the redesign – at least when it comes to the Pro. The stems on the Pro come with coloured LEDs on the side – called blade lights – which light up according to the music you’re listening to – a nice DND indicator if anything. However, aside from this, the stem also contains a mic and has pinch controls for easier control of your music.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 7
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 1
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 10
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 3
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 11

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro also comes with a 10mm dynamic driver with a planar tweeter that promises better sound quality. It also has dual amps and supports up to 24-bit audio. The regular Buds3 comes with a single 10mm dynamic driver without the planar tweeter. Both of the buds come with an IP57 rating and have about 7 hours of battery depending on whether noise cancelling is turned on.

Both the new entries have better voice isolation thanks to the stem. However, the Buds3 Pro comes with additional features like Siren Detect and Voice Detect. These features, as their names suggest, allow the buds to dynamically change settings when you’re talking or a siren goes off nearby. This will allow you to be more alert of your surroundings or allow you to converse.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are now available for pre-order. Both are available in White and Silver colourways. The Galaxy Buds will be priced at USd$179.99 while the Buds3 Pro will be priced at USD$249.99.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series 11

In Malaysia, the vanilla Buds3 will be retailing at RM599 while the Buds3 Pro will be priced at RM999. Pre-orders are open now at official Samsung channels including the Samsung website. Pre-orders of the Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds3 Pro will come with a free case worth RM169.

Android, Mobile, News

Unpacking the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 & Galaxy Z Flip6

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Samsung’s new foldables are getting a much needed update to reflect a new era spearheaded by Galaxy AI. The new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM. Both come with some meaningful updates that make them easier to use and more useful. The Z Fold6 is slimmer and sleeker than ever before with more powerful features that take Galaxy AI to the next level. The Flip6, on the other hand, takes self expression and customisation to the next level with more accessories.

Health, Lifestyle, News

Unpacking the Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch7 & the Galaxy Buds3 series

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Samsung has just announced its new flagship wearables – expanding its Galaxy Watch series with the Galaxy Watch Ultra and revamping its Galaxy Buds series with the new Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro. The new wearables are spearheaded by the Galaxy Ring. The new Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra takes the Galaxy Watch to new frontiers with a new, more rugged look with features to match.

It also spearheads the Galaxy AI revolution when it comes to wearables with more intelligent and accurate tracking even in the Galaxy Watch7. The Galaxy Buds3 Series debuts with an all new design focusing on self expression and comfort. With the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Samsung is bringing an all new way to enjoy your music and at even higher quality.

Camera, News

Canon Releases the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Lens For VR Content Creation

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Canon is breaking down barriers to VR content creation with the introduction of the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens. Designed specifically for APS-C cameras like the EOS R7, this lens empowers creators to capture immersive virtual reality experiences with ease.

RF S3.9mm f3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Use Case Shot
Source: Canon

The RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye streamlines the VR creation process. Unlike traditional methods that require multiple cameras and complex post-production stitching, this innovative lens captures everything in a single shot. Its secret lies in the two strategically positioned fisheye lenses that work in tandem. These lenses capture images with parallax, the slight difference in perspective between our left and right eyes, which is crucial for creating a realistic sense of depth in VR.

The RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye boasts an impressive 144° angle of view. This wide capture area translates into a captivating 180° VR experience when processed with the EOS VR Utility software or the EOS VR Plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro. Viewers are no longer confined to a fixed perspective. They can explore the scene in all directions, up, down, left, and right, fostering a deeper connection with the content.

Canon has taken VR content creation a step further by integrating autofocus (AF) into the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens – a first for its dual Fisheye lineup. This innovation eliminates the need for manual focus adjustments, ensuring sharp and clear VR footage. The secret lies in the dual-lens STM mechanism that precisely controls both lenses simultaneously.

RF S3.9mm f3.5 STM Dual Fisheye Lens
Source: Canon

For even more control, the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye allows you to adjust the AF frame location using the EOS Utility or Camera Connect apps. This is particularly beneficial when shooting from unique angles or challenging positions, ensuring your subject remains in focus.

The RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye prioritizes image quality. It’s the first non-L series lens to feature Canon’s advanced ASC (Air Sphere Coating). This innovative technology minimizes ghosting and flaring, even when dealing with strong backlighting, resulting in pristine VR experiences. Paired with the EOS R7, the lens delivers corner-to-corner high definition in 4K recordings, matching the performance of the high-end RF5.2mm f/2.8L Dual Fisheye on the EOS R5.

Despite its powerful capabilities, the RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye is remarkably compact and lightweight (approximately 290g), making it an ideal companion for creators on the go. The lens also boasts a rear filter holder, offering additional creative flexibility by accommodating commercially available gelatin filters and 30.5mm screw-in filters.

Pricing & Availability

Information on the pricing and availability of the Canon RF-S3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye lens in Malaysia is forthcoming. Stay tuned for updates on how to unlock your VR vision with this innovative new lens.