Category Archives: News

Lifestyle, News

Mercedes-Benz Brings More Mercedes-EQ Experience into Malaysia with the EQE for MYR 419,888

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Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market is heating up. You can not only get fully electric cars in Malaysia, but you can also get fully electric motorcycles too these days. Of course, the fact that there are more fast charging stations dedicated for EVs in Malaysia is a large driving factor for manufacturers to buy into Malaysia’s Electric future. It explains why Mercedes-Benz is betting on bringing in their Mercedes-EQ EQE business sedan to the shores.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is mostly a respond to the response that Mercedes got with their EQS that was launched way before the EQE we see now. Where the EQS is a large SUV for those who value cabin and storage space, the EQE is more of a business sedan made more for style and comfort on the road.

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You still get the same underpinning as the EQS, since they are based on the same all-electric Mercedes-EQ architecture. You get a powerful 215kW electric motor powering the rear wheels. You get 565 Nm of tourqe from the motor that allows the Mercedes-Benz EQE to propel its 2.3 tons body from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and up to 210km/h in top speed.

It may not sound like it is all that fast. It makes it up with plenty of range though. A full charge will give you a range of up to 669 km. That is worth nearly a single back and forth trip between Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, Penang.

With EVs though, there is always a problem of refueling. To be fair, it is more recharging your battery than refueling, and charging your batteries take time. For the Mercedes-Benz EQE, you can charge your car in just 32 minutes with a 170 kW DC charger. If you are not too hard pressed for time, you can charge your car still with a regular wall outlet from your home in 8 hours and 15 minutes.

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The Mercedes-Benz EQE comes with a lot of safety assistance too to make it one of the safest things you can be in on the road. Mercedes-Benz’s Driving Assistance Plus with Active Distance DISTRONIC, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist keeps you on the road and a safe distance from cars in front of you.

One of the biggest selling points of an electric vehicle is its noise, or rather its lack of it. Not having engine noise also means that you get to hear even more things that are happening around the car, which might not be too pleasant. The EQE is designed to cocoon its passengers in a quiet comfortable compartment that is separated from everything else outside the cabin. They use a special foam designed to fill the car to really isolate the cabin while adding some rigidity to the chassis. The windscreen’s frame crossmember is also filled with sound insulation to further isolate noise from the cabin. Thanks to a powerful Burmester sound system in the EQE as well, you can drown out the outside world with immersive music.

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The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is available in Malaysia now for MYR 419,888. Keep in mind the quoted price is not including insurance. You can get your EQE through Mercedes-Benz Financial packages with fixed monthly instalments. More information on the Mercedes-Benz EQE can be found on their website.

Computers, Gaming, News

Raise the Game with AMD graphics card and game bundle offer

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AMD offers to improve your gaming experience by offering free games bundled with select graphics cards.

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Get Dead Island 2 and Callisto Protocol with AMD graphics and raise your game!

From now until 4th February 2023, every purchase of RX6000 series cards at participating retailers will come with up to two games for free. All purchases of the selected cards will come with the zombie-slaying sequel Dead Island 2. Purchases of the RX6700 and higher will also get the highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror, The Callisto Protocol. Additionally, The Callisto Protocol comes with AMD Radeon inspired weapon skins, a digital skin and special character.

A full list of eligible graphics cards can be found on the AMD Raise the Game bundle offer page. The free games will be given as game codes that can be redeemed online at www.amdrewards.com/terms.

More FPS with FidelityFX Super Resolution 2.2

Alongside the free games giveaway, AMD has also announced FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) 2.2. AMD’s temporal upscaling answer to nVidia’s DLSS technology, FSR 2.2 promises to bring improved framerates and enhanced visuals.

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Up to 218 games already supported by AMD’s FidelityFX Super resolution upscaling tech.

FSR 2.0 was announced earlier in May 2022, with up to 218 games combined supported by the technology and its previous 1.0 iteration. FSR 2.2 support will begin its rounds of the gaming sphere starting with its first game, Forza Horizon 5. AMD has also announced that FSR 2.2 will be free to download for game developers on GPUOpen.com soon though no specific date was mentioned. This should help speed up FSR 2.2 support for more games in the near future. Gamers can maximize their FSR and Radeon graphics card experience with the AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition™. This enables enhancements such as 4K gaming with DirectX 12 Ultimate and DirectX Raytracing (DXR).

For more information on AMD’s Raise Your Game Bundle and FidelityFX Super Resolution technology, visit AMD’s official website.

Android, Mobile, News

Honor 80 series announced in China, offers three variants

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Honor has announced the Honor 80 series of smartphones on its official website for China. Three variants of the series, Honor 80, Honor 80 Pro and Honor 80 SE are expected, sporting better cameras, display and faster charging.

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Honor 80 Pro (left) and Honor 80 (right) renders. Image source: GSMArena

Better triple camera setup, 120Hz displays and MagicOS 7.0

The new series of smartphones was unveiled by Honor during two-day launch event in China, which also showcased MagicOS 7.0. Leading the pack are the vanilla Honor 80 and more premium Honor 80 Pro variants. The Honor 80 Pro comes with a 6.78-inch, 120Hz curved OLED display with 2700×1224 resolution. A highlight of the device is the 160MP main shooter, enhanced with Honor’s Image Engine software. The revamped software features upgraded AI RAW algorithms, scene optimizations, skin texture detection and even AI Vlog mode. The other modules on the back are a 50MP ultrawide and 2M depth module. The front camera is a 50MP selfie camera with secondary 2M depth module. It is powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, though it appears to be a slightly underclocked version as reported by GSMArena.

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Honor 80 and 80 Pro will be available in 4 colors. Image source: GSMArena

The standard Honor 80 variant sports a slightly smaller 6.67-inch OLED display with 2400×1080 resolution with 120Hz refresh rate. It has the same 160MP main shooter and 2M depth module but with a lesser 8MP secondary module. The selfie camera is also of a lesser resolution with 32MP. It is powered by the newly announced Snapdragon 782G SoC and like the Honor 80 Pro, runs on MagicOS 7.0 based on Android 12 out of the box. Both Honor 80 and Honor 80 Pro comes with 4800 mAh batteries and with fast 66W wired charging. They will be available in four color options; Blue Wave, Pink Morning Glow, Jade Green and Bright Black. And for storage options, both devices will be available in three combinations; 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM, 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM and 12GB + 512GB ROM.

A wallet friendly variant, the Honor 80 SE

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Honor 80 SE is the budget entry of Honor’s new smartphone series

Honor has also announced the Honor 80 SE as a budget entry for the series. It sports a 6.67-inch curved 120Hz OLED display with FHD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080. The main camera is a toned-down 64MP main with 5MP ultra-wide module and 2MP macro triple-camera. It will still sport a 32MP selfie camera as seen in the Honor 80. Instead of a Snapdragon SoC, it comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 900 but still runs on MagicOS 7.0 out of the box. It also packs a 4600mAh battery with 66W charging and only comes in two memory configurations; 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM and 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM. The device will also be available in four colors; Moonlight Crystal, Iceland Fantasy, Cherry Pink Coral and Bright Black.

At the moment, there is no official word on release dates and pricing for the Honor 80 series outside of China. Based on the prices on the Honor official website, TechNave has estimated the prices as follows; Honor 80 starting at RM1727, Honor 80 Pro starting at RM2237 and Honor 80 SE starting at RM1535. For more updates on availability and pricing in Malaysia, follow HONOR Official Store and HONOR Malaysia’s Facebook page

Sources: GSMArena, TechNave

News

Logitech’s Brio 500 offers 1080p recording all around, literally

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Logitech has released its latest webcams with the Brio 500 series. The new series of 1080p webcams offer light correction, auto-framing, noise-cancelling mics and a versatile, movable mount.

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Be your best self with Logitech’s Brio 500 webcam. Image source: Logitech

No more bad angles with magnetic mount design

In its launch video, Logitech has promised that customers can “Be your best self every video call” with the Brio 500 series webcams. Perhaps the most unique feature is the “Show Mode”. The “Show Mode” allows you to share your desk by simply tilting the webcam. Logitech has improved the mount design to accommodate this movement. The webcam attaches to the mount magnetically and clamps onto your monitor with an adjustable foot lined with microsuction tape. The mount also has a round attachment point to the webcam. This makes it easy to turn the camera horizontally to get the best recording angle for your video call.

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The Brio 500’s unique magnetic mount allows for better video call angles while maintaining grip. Image source: Logitech

Better video and audio for video calls

Logitech’s Brio 500 series offers 1080p video calls with a bonus of improved lighting and framing. The new webcams come with Logitech’s latest RightLight 4 technology which automatically corrects lighting in both over lit and poorly lit scenarios. RightLight 4 also performs auto-framing, helping the camera stay centered on you. This is particularly helpful in situations where movement is required such as presentations. To access RightLight 4 and other “advanced meeting experiences”, Logitech requires the download of their Logi Tune software for free. On top of these features, the Brio 500 also has AI-based face image correction for greater clarity during video calls. As for audio, the webcam has dual microphones with beamforming noise-reducing technology. This offers greater call clarity and is capable of capturing your voice even when you move around in front of the webcam.

Other features and pricing

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Brio 500’s in built privacy shutter. Image credit: Tom’s Hardware

The Brio 500 includes a built in-privacy shutter that works by rotating the right-end cap on its cylinder-shaped body. Logitech has also developed this webcam series with sustainability in mind. The plastic parts are certified post-consumer recycled plastic, with varying proportions between 54% to 68%, used in its different color offerings. It is available in three colours; graphite, off-white and rose. The Brio 500 series is available in Malaysia now. Retail price as per the official Logitech website is RM609. It is also available in store with authorized retailers and resellers.

Sources: Engadget, Tom’s Hardware

Lifestyle, News

Acer Introduces Two New Vacuums to acerpure Line-Up

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Acer’s acerpure line up has been one of the more eye-opening announcements from the laptop and systems company in the past few years. The new line-up comes with tech products no one saw them releasing such as air purifiers. However, it seems like the indoor air quality and cleanliness lineup is here to stay with the announcement of two new entries: the acerpure clean V1 and the acerpure clean V1 lite.

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Source: Acer

The two devices expand the acerpure brand to cover vacuums. Both are handheld, portable vacuums built for different usage scenarios. The acerpure clean V1 is a larger handheld vacuum. It has a suction force of 23,000 Pa power by cyclone suction technology. The V1 has a five-stage filtration technology that traps dirt as small as 0.3 microns – a fraction of the width of the human hair! Speaking of hair, the V1 won’t allow your hairs to get tangled while cleaning with its independent, power efficient motor which prevents tangles from happening.

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Source: Acer

The acerpure V1 is versatile and can work on multiple surfaces such as curtains, windows, tables and fans with its quick-switch 2-in-1 brush. You’ll be able to clean in smaller, hard to reach nooks and crannies with the crevice nozzle while you’ll be able to reach hard to reach places with the extensible tube. You’ll even be able to see the stray dustbunnies get caught with the 4 built-in LED lights. Acer claims that the acerpure Clean V1 is able to eliminate up to 99.9% of mites too.

The vacuum comes with a 2,500mAh battery which gives it up to 60 minutes of usage time. The Clean V1 comes with three modes – daily mode, turbo mode and energy saving mode to suit your cleaning needs. The vacuum only weighs 1.5kg.

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Source: Acer

The more compact acerpure V1 Lite is designed to clean small, hard to maneuver places like a backpack, a handbag or even a drawer. Made for convenience, the smaller, lighter V1 Lite comes with up to 13,000 Pa suction. It also comes with a specially designed brush that allows you to angle into hard to reach places and a 2-in-1 briush for versatility. It’s only 550g and charges via a USB-C port.

Pricing & Availability

The new acerpure clean line up will be available starting from 12 December 2022 via the online acer store, Lazada, Shopee and its retail partners. The acerpure clean V1 will be priced at MYR1,299 while the V1 Lite will be priced at MYR599.

In conjunction with the big 12.12 sale, Acer Malaysia will be selling the vacuums at discounted prices. The acerpure Clean V1 will be available for MYR1,099 with a special bundle which includes the V1 Lite for free. On the other hand, the acerpure V1 Lite will be available for MYR369 with a free Acer Day mug.

News

LG WashTower Offers Seamless and Smart Laundry For All

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LG launches its latest solution for quicker, smarter and convenient laundry – the LG WashTower.

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Fast, efficient and convenient laundry with the LG WashTower

It is the first fully integrated washer-dryer combo in Malaysia, offering space-efficiency and convenience in one sleek body. Contrary to the conventional washers and dryers sold as combos, the LG WashTower is operated with a single control panel and utilizes AI for crosstalk between the washer and dryer. LG believes that this is the solution for the biggest laundry challenge faced by customers – long washing and drying cycles.

Washer-Dryer teamwork for faster laundry

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Space saving sleek body and minimalistic aesthetics

To address this challenge, LG has implemented Smart Pairing between the washer and dryer within the LG WashTower. With the Prepare to Dry feature, it automatically sets the optimal drying cycle based on the previous wash cycle. The washer sends signals to the dryer to begin pre-heating before the wash cycle completion, cutting down on the drying cycle time. The LG WashTower also saves time in the wash cycle using the TurboWash 360 feature, which uses increased water temperature and spray nozzles to jumpstart the wash cycle. Customers can expect and overall reduction of 30% for their laundry time with LG’s latest solution.

Safer and more convenient laundry with LG

While speed may be important, LG also cares about the safety of your clothes with the AI Direct Drive (AI DD) Technology. The WashTower is able to detect the best washing pattern based on the type of fabric. It will adjust the drum motions, water temperature and wash cycle time to help reduce fabric damage by 10 percent, as claimed by LG. With the Dual Inverter Heat Pump technology, drying temperatures can be adjusted based on the drying load and fabric softness to reduce fabric damage and also save energy consumption. All features and operations are accessed from the unified CenterControl panel found at the center of the WashTower. To make things more convenient, the LG WashTower can be also controlled remotely using the LG ThinQ application. It enables remote start or stop of the washing cycle, send notifications on cycle completions and reminders for scheduled maintenance.

A stylish pairing with the LG Laundry Duo

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For that special suit, dress or teddy bear, the LG Styler can clean it all

LG is now offering the perfect partner to the LG WashTower, the LG Styler, as a package deal with special pricing. The LG Styler is an all-in-one garment steamer, sanitizer and dry cleaner. For garments that are too delicate for the standard washer-dryer cycles, the Styler is an alternative laundry solution. The highlight feature of the Styler is its Special Care Mode. These are tailor-made modes that can be downloaded through the ThinQ app for the cleaning of special garment types. The Styler would be the perfect laundry solution for suits, satin dresses, even hard to wash household items like pillows and teddy bears. There is also the gentle Dry mode, which uses low temperature drying that is faster than conventional air-drying. It even comes with a handy Pants Crease Care ironing system, where a presser helps hold your pants in place for easy, crease-free ironing.

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Spacious interior for multiple garments and a handy Pants Crease Care system.

Pricing and availability

The LG WashTower is available now at RM13,999 while the LG Styler retails for RM 8,499. With the LG Laundry Duo promotion, you can get both at discounted prices of RM 12,999 and RM6,399 respectively. This promotion will be available with the LG Trio Bonanza Sale-brations from now until 31st December 2022. For more information on the LG WashTower and LG Styler, visit the LG Official website and follow LG’s official Facebook page.

News

Sunway Medical Centre launches the latest tech in robot-assisted surgery

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Sunway Medical Centre commemorates a big milestone in robot-assisted surgeries, celebrating 1000 successful surgeries and its patients. Committed to being a leading smart hospital, SunMed advances further with the acquisition of the highly advanced, da Vinci Xi 4th Generation Surgical System.

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Advantages of robot-assisted surgeries

A common misconception of robotic-assisted surgery is that it is performed by the robot. On the contrary, it is an advanced set of instruments, designed to assist surgeons in performing complex surgeries. The key advantage of using similar systems is that the surgeries are minimally invasive. This method will only require multiple smaller incisions called ‘keyholes’ rather than the bigger incisions in conventional procedures. This is particularly advantageous when having to perform surgeries on deeper lying tissue within the body, where accessibility and visibility for the surgeon is low. Patients benefit from this method too with faster recovery times and of course, less post-operative pain. Helen Ng, General Manager of MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery) Services and Robotic Surgery, heaped praise on the system’s consistency and precision which lead to minimal scarring and blood loss for patients.

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The da Vinci Xi surgical system simulating a procedure with the Patient cart (left) and Vision cart (right)

The acquisition of the da Vinci Xi system is an achievement in itself, being the first of its kind in Malaysia. The major subsystems consist of the Patient cart, housing robotic arms, the Vision cart and the Surgeon console. The robotic arms are modular and can be swapped with various instruments required for the surgery. These include grips that mimic the surgeons’ fingers in motion; forceps, cameras and many more. The arms can also be positioned independently of each other at various depth, making it versatile enough for multiple procedure types. The vision cart channels all the camera feed to allow nurses and surgeons to observe the procedure in real time. And finally, the surgeon console is where the surgeon conducts the procedure with the assistance of control handles to move the robotic arms and instruments with high precision, as well as view the procedure in real time 3D imaging.

Simulation of abdominal surgery with da Vinci Xi
Surgeons can perform complex acts such as stitching with the system

Sunway Medical Centre’s commitment to smart tech in healthcare

Sunway Medical Centre has been committed to the smart hospital initiative since 2016, with robot-assisted surgery being a key focus area. They initially started with the acquisition of the previous iteration da Vinci Si surgical system specializing for abdominal surgeries. Since then, they have further added on systems from Mako SmartRobotics and ROSA Knee system, used mainly for knee and hip replacement surgeries. In fact, Sunway Medical Center has recently celebrated Malaysia’s first robot-assisted joint replacement surgery in 2021. The newly acquired da Vinci Xi system is a further step up from the previous Si system. Dr Tan Ee Ping, the first surgeon to conduct a procedure with the Xi system, added that it brings a host of improved functionality compared to its predecessors and has “…smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints that offer a great range of motion”.

Sunway Medical Centre has been so impressed with the performance of the da Vinci Xi system that they already plan to acquire a second unit, further highlighting their commitment to robot-assisted surgeries. Helen Ng believes that “The more we operate with these highly advanced robotic technologies,
the more encouraged I feel that we are truly providing Malaysians with the best possible smart hospital technology to help them live their lives without pain”.

Android, Mobile, News

realme 10 Pro and 10 Pro+ 5G Comes to Malaysia for MYR 1,299 Onward

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What can you get for MYR 1,299? You can get an entry-level smartphone device with that kind of price. When we say entry-level, we mean devices with a rather unimpressive system on a chip (SoC), low memory in both RAM and storage, regular 12-Megapixel camera, and maybe a large battery to come with. In some sense, an entry-level device looks more like a glorified powerbank in some cases. They are rather unimpressive devices you usually use as a backup device, or a secondary communicator for work and other things.

Thing is, MYR 1,299 is still not a small amount of money. The first Samsung Galaxy S was priced at about MYR 1,000 and that was one of the most expensive devices around at the time. In that sense, MYR 1,299 should be able to buy you more than just a glorified powerbank. It should be able to get you something decent to work with. It can get you a realme 10 Pro 5G.

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The realme 10 Pro 5G and 10 Pro+ 5G are not what you want to call flagship devices if you want to pit them against the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S22 series or even the Xiaomi 12 Series. It is still somewhat a mid-range device. For a mid-range device though, it is a pretty impressive package at a remarkable price point.

The most unimpressive part on the new series of devices from realme is the SoC within the device. It is a Dimensity 920 5G chipset. It is not the most powerful chip you can find even in MediaTek’s lab. It still supports 5G connectivity though, which is something of a futureproofing measure. It is paired with an 8GB RAM module, something most flagships sport. Of course, you can pay a little bit more to get up to 12GB (Pro+ 5G) of built-in RAM. Thanks to realme’s clever user interface, you can borrow up to 12GB more from its internal storage (up to 256GB) to make up to 24GB of RAM, an overkill amount even for flagship class devices.

You the back of the device is an impressive 108-Megapixel shooter (both Pro 5G and Pro+ 5G). It is the same camera module that you can find behind a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Xiaomi’s range-topping 12 Pro. In that regard, you are getting a flagship class camera here at a hardly believable price point.

To view all the high-resolution photos, is a rather regular flat display for the realme 10 Pro 5G. It measures in at 6.72 inches. It sports Full HD display, quite unheard of in this price range in 2022. It also boasts 120Hz refresh rate with a peak brightness of 680 nits. Underneath all of the glass and aluminium construction is a huge 5,000mAh battery to keep the realme UI4.0 running all day.

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Then there is the Pro+ 5G. It is an MYR 300 premium over the regular realme 10 Pro 5G at an 8GB + 128GB configuration. But you do get a little bit more. Its 6.72-inch display is not a flat display anymore, it is an OLED 3D curved display that stretches to 800nits in brightness. It is lighter too at 173g while packing an extra 8-Megapixel ultrawide camera on its back. You also get what realme calls Tactile Engine 2.0 packed into its UI4.0.

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At a price point starting at MYR 1,299, the realme 10 Pro series is not a contender in the entry-level space. It is more than an entry-level device; we dare to call it a mid-range device that can challenge the higher-end segment. At its asking price too, it is a remarkably attractive deal.

The realme 10 Pro 5G and realme 10 Pro+ 5G is now available for pre-order via realme’s own web store, their official Shopee store, and official Lazada store. The Realme 10 Pro 5G retails for MYR 1299 (8GB + 128GB) onward and will be available 16th December 2022 onward from all realme’s authorized distributors and retailers, including their online stores. The realme 10 Pro+ 5G will be available 12th December onward and will run a Lazada exclusive (MYR 1,399 for 8GB + 128GB) deal on its launch day. It will retail from MYR 1,599 (8GB + 128GB) onward from the 16th of December 2022. More information on the new realme 10 Pro series devices can be found on their website.

Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Telegram Goes Blockchain

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Telegram is still one of the most popular messengers in the world alongside WhatsApp and Signal. It is simple to use, you can have access to a single account via multiple smartphones or even PC devices at the same time, and you do not even have to back your data up periodically. Telegram automatically saves your chat via the cloud and allows you to access it instantaneously when you sign into your account from anywhere in the world, as long as you can remember the phone number you signed up with Telegram. WhatsApp only allows you to hold your account on a single device at a time. Your WhatsApp back up data is strictly stored inside your smartphone, Google Drive, or Apple Cloud; even WhatsApp cannot access your data, apparently.

There is a common denominator when it comes to the popular messengers you see across the globe too. For all the major platforms, you need to share your phone number to get an account. Telegram sees that as one point of failure in terms of your privacy and cyber security, so they look to do away with phone number.

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Source: Telegram

Telegram’s more recent updates has done away with just that. Recently Telegram has started auctioning and selling off rare usernames for their new platform based on the TON Blockchain. TON also features their own cryptocurrency, the Toncoins. Buying the unique username allows users to sign up to an anonymous account without ever giving away your phone number. You can even do that yourself on Fragment. You get your verification code on Fragment as well, of course.

You are not getting something as unique as a codename or the regular usernames though. You are getting a bunch of random numbers that resemble a phone number. That unique number will be tied to your Fragment account so any verification that is needed for your Telegram sign ins will go to Fragment. This also eliminates the need for you to sign up and use Telegram via your own phone number to make it even more secure, and more anonymous in some sense.

The new update also brings a whole host of improvements largely aimed to make Telegram more secure and private. Users should already be familiar with self-destruct messages, where users can delete their messages without leaving so much as a trace in their chats. They can set a delete timer for their chats or messages too on the platform. Telegram is now expanding the feature from 2013 and give you more control over your digital footprint.

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You can now automatically delete your messages in all your new chats with any user, regardless of who starts the chat. In some ways, it allows you to keep your inbox tidy by keeping it up to date. In private groups, users who have the authorization can also set timers to their messages to be deleted after some time.

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Telegram also allows you to sort your messages and groups using via Topics. Instead of looking for names or specific chat groups, you can sort your messages on Telegrams like you see forums. Now it is more powerful than before because you can sort out messages from groups with more than 100 members. They also added a new two column mode for the feature for an even more streamlined navigation than before allowing you to quickly go from one topic to another.

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They even updated the anti-spam filter to be even more aggressive than before allowing your chats and groups to be a lot cleaner than before. If you do not feel comfortable giving away your phone number to other people to add you on Telegram, they have included a temporary QR code generator for you to show to others, when you need it. The people adding you will not even get to see your phone number. If you want to know how Telegram uses your smartphone’s storage, there is an even more detailed view of it now on Telegram itself.

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On top of these security updates, Telegram also added a few new features that has to do with emojis. Users of Telegram Premium gets access to new interactive emoji with full screen effects and everything. All Telegram users get access to all the security features that Telegram has introduced so far though, so if you have not spent a single dime on Telegram, you still do not have to. Telegram is available for free on Google’s Play Store and Apple App Store. For more information on Telegram’s update, you can visit their website.

News

Microsoft Merger With Activision-Blizzard Hits A Snag

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The mega merger between Microsoft and video game publisher Activision-Blizzard may be under threat by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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Microsoft plans to acquire Activision-Blizzard in a $69 billion merger. Image source: True Achievements

As first reported by Politico, their sources have stated that the FTC is ““likely to file an antitrust lawsuit to block Microsoft’s $69 billion takeover of video game giant Activision Blizzard.” The FTC has concerns on the deal, primarily due to the large sum involved in the merger between these tech giants. FTC Chairperson Lina Khan has called for scrutiny on the impact of the deal on workers.

At the moment, there is no official word on a lawsuit against the merger, Politico themselves report that it is not guaranteed. Currently, investigations are ongoing, with major steps already completed such as depositions by CEO’s Satya Nadella (Microsoft) and Bobby Kotick (Activision). If the FTC decides to move forward with a case, it could come as early as December.

Why could the merger be controversial?

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FTC Chairman Lina Khan is opposed to the merger, scrutinizing its impact on the market and workers. Image source: Getty Images via New York Post

There is precedence in this matter as the FTC has previously stopped the merger of book publishers Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster for a more modest fee of $2.2 billion. In that case, the ruling stated that the merger had the potential to be anticompetitive, which can affect both authors and indirectly, consumers. A similar scenario could occur in the tech giants merger, where there is less competition among game publishers which could promote less lucrative publishing deals for game developers.

As discussed by Kotaku, Microsoft has come under fire from its many competitors due to the merger. Sony has publicly stated their belief that the deal will harm their ability to compete, reduce the choice of games and less choice for developers to publish games. Sony may also be concerned for the Activision published Call of Duty series being withheld from the PlayStation with this deal, considering it is not made available to other subscription services yet. Google has raised their own concerns, arguing that Microsoft has already intentionally degraded the quality of the Game Pass subscription when used with the Chrome operating system, and has further incentive to steer sales away from Google with the Activision merger.

Rift in the FTC paves way for the merger

Recently, the New York Post reported that the four-member FTC panel of commissioners are split over the decision to oppose the merger. Reports stated that at least one commissioner has taken a “sympathetic view” to Microsoft, and potentially open to a settlement. If the rift persists, there is a possibility that no lawsuit will be filed and the merger will go ahead.

Given Activision-Blizzard’s recent fall from grace with their fans, most gamers would certainly rejoice for the merger with Microsoft, at least from a gaming perspective. However, would this merger really change the landscape of gaming for the worse in the long term? That remains to be seen.

Sources: Politico, Kotaku, New York Post, True Achievements