Samsung’s 2022 Neo QLED TVs are finally making their way to Malaysia after their announcement in January at CES 2022. The new lineup brings an extensive list of enhancements focused on enhancing the entertainment experience as well as adapting one of the most ubiquitous screens to your lifestyle.
Calvert Yap (Head of TV, Audio Visual, Samsung Malaysia), Jimmy Tan (Head of Consumer Electronics, Samsung Malaysia), Edward Han (President, Samsung Malaysia) and Sunghwan Joo (Director of Audio Visual Division, Samsung Malaysia) at the launch gambit of the Neo QLED 8K TV
The new Neo QLED TVs come with a new Neo QLED 8K processor which ups the ante when it comes to image quality. The new Neural Quantum Processor 8K has been enhanced with a new algorithm called the Real Depth Enhancer. This dynamically scans the screen and maximizes the contrast between the object and the background of the scene making the object pop. It also adds a level of clarity and makes the image more realistic in a natural way. Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs are using also a lot more dynamic and reactive as the screens are able to create localised dark zones with the Mini LED technology. The increased precision allows for better, more realistic details and a more natural image as contrast and back-lighting is controlled on a per pixel basis. This year’s QLED TVs are also the first to be PANTONE verified for colour accuracy.
Together with the enhanced technology of the Neo QLED TVS, Samsung is also introducing features that will allow the TV to adapt to its users seamlessly. The TVs now come with features that will not only allow you to be more immersed in your content but also adapt to your work environment. The new line up of Samsung Neo QLED TVs come with features such as Google Duo which will allow you to take and make video calls from the TV with a webcam. In addition to that, DeX is also making its big screen debut and will allow you to use you screen as desktop for remote work. It will also bring a seamless second display experience that will help you get things done more efficiently.
Jimmy Tan (Head of Consumer Electronics, Samsung Malaysia) and Edward Han (President, Samsung Malaysia) showcasing the Neo QLED 8K Flagship TV
With accessories like the webcam, the new Neo QLED TVs are here to help you get in better shape. Samsung is bringing even more features that will help you exercise and get fit with your TV. In fact, you’ll be able to get tips on how to improve your form straight from the TV as you workout. Of course, sometimes we prefer working out while watching our favourite shows, with Multiview, you’ll be able to watch up to 4 screens at the same time. So, you’ll be able to watch your stocks, Netflix, workout and be on the video call all at the same time.
There’s a whole lot of improvements that have been baked into the new 2022 Samsung QLED TV lineup – you’ll be able to get the full breakdown in our coverage of the CES announcement.
Pricing and Availability
Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs are already available in Malaysia together with the updated versions of their lifestyle TVs: The Frame, The Serif and The Sero.
PlayStation’s State of Play just happened. The company has announced so many things in its supercut of trailers, gameplay and announcements. The 29-minute supercut brought exciting new announcements as well as updates to games announced at the previous State of Play. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Final Fantasy XVI Coming to PS5 in Summer 2023
Final Fantasy XVI has entered the final leg of development as Square Enix announces a summer 2023 release window for the much-anticipated game.
The new entry into the Final Fantasy franchise thrusts players into the world of Valisthea where the delicate balance between six factions teethers as a malady called the Blight continues to spread.
In its latest update, Square Enix introduces us to Eikons, the summons of Valisthea and the Dominants of the Eikons Titan and Garuda. These characters join a growing cast that is set to capture the heart of Final Fantasy fans. Like all the other entries, XVI promises to throw players into a story driven adventure where they will learn about Ifrit, Ramuh, and Bahamut and uncover the intricacies of the conflict in Valisthea. Of course, you’ll be able to learn more about the world at the official Final Fantasy XVI site as we wait for Summer 2023 to arrive.
Street Fighter 6 Brings Classic Fighters to the Modern Era
Teased earlier this year, Street Fighter 6 expands the world of Street Fighter further with new faces and a whole new Drive System. The game also brings new modes for gameplay including new Battle Hub and World Tour modes. The former is an expansive online multiplayer mode while the latter allows players to carve their own story in Street Fighter 6. Capcom promises more information on these modes in the near future.
The game is built using Capcom’s RE Engine which the company used for Resident Evil 7 and Devil May Cry 5. The new engine brings the fighter classic into the new era with amazingly detailed character design and realistic details. The RE engine also allows a new, versatile Drive System which allows players to perform parries, dashes and super moves that will bring more spice to gameplay.
Capcom also unveiled a few characters from the roster in Street Fighter 6. A new character, Jamie, joins the universe. Jamie is a character that uses the Drunken master style of battle and powers up with every drink he takes during battle. There are returning characters from Street Fighter 5 as well. Luke was the only one revealed at State of Play. Of course, no Street Fighter game would be complete with classics like Ryu and Chun-Li who sport updated designs and new moves.
Street Fighter 6 is set to debut in 2023. No specific date has been announced just yet but more information is coming soon.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Coming in 2023
It seems like the Resident Evil franchise is rife for the remakes. After the much praised release of Resident Evil 3 Remake back in 2020, the fourth installation is looking to get the same treatment. The game which was first released back in 2005 will debut again come 2023.
The game is being updated with state of the art graphics and mechanics that will bring the classic back to life for a second time. Like other remakes, Resident Evil 4 will see some liberties taken to update and reimagine some elements of the story and gameplay.
The game takes place 6 years after the events in Racoon City and Leon finds himself as recruited as an agent reporting directly to the president. He is tasked to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the President of the United States.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is Heading to the PC
Both instalments of the critically acclaimed Spider-Man games: Spider-Man and Spider-Man Miles Morales are making their way to PC. The games have made a notable mark on both the PS4 and PS5. Spider-Man alone has sold over 33 million copies worldwide.
The PC versions of these games aren’t just your regular PC ports. The games are getting remastered and adapted to take full advantage of the perks that come with being on a PC. Insomniac Games is bringing a whole new level of detail when it comes to the graphics with features like ray-tracing and customisable render settings. The game will also have keyboard and mouse compatibility – HOORAY!
You’ll be able to jump into Peter Parker’s shoes once again come August 12, 2022, with the launch of Spider-Man Remastered. Spider-Man Miles Morales Remastered will be launching sometime in Fall 2022.
Stray Comes to PS4 & PS5 on July 19 via PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium
You’ll be able to become a cat as you explore the world of Stray – a brand new game coming to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It will also be part of the new PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions come July 19, 2020.
Stray puts you in the paws of a cat as you try to find your way back home. The game throws you into a world populated by robots, machines and viruses as you control your protagonist cat. You will be exploring the vivid, colourful world as you try to find your way back to your family. As you explore, you will need to solve puzzles and even fend off enemies. You won’t be doing this alone as you have your trusty drone, B-12, that follows you everywhere and helps you interact with the world and its inhabitants.
Sci-Fi Horror makes a Comeback with Callisto Protocol
The Callisto Protocol sees Dead Space creator, Glen Schofield, return to the sci-fi survival horror genre with his new studio, Striking Distance Studios. The game takes place in the 2320 on Jupiter’s Moon, Callisto. You play as Jacob Lee, an inmate at Black Iron Prison, who is caught fighting for survival as the a mysterious outbreak throws the moon into chaos. You will need to fight Biophages – monstrous creatures that were once prison guards and inmates.
The game takes advantage of the PlayStation 5’s features such as 3D Audio and acoustic ray tracing to create a sense of horror and terror. Using the most advanced graphics and sound engineering to create tension and an atmosphere that will make you scream. The Callisto Protocol is set to debut on December 2, 2022, on both PS4 and PS5.
Horizon Forbidden West’s Big Update Goes Live
Together with the announcement of Horizon Call of the Moutain, Guerrilla Games also announced that Horizon Forbidden West is getting a massive, free update. The update is already available today.
The new update brings many quality of life updates as well as some that will change the way you experience the game. Two of the largest things that will be coming to the game are New Game+ and Ultra Hard Mode. These modes will allow you to replay Horizon Forbidden West in higher difficulties as well as 100% the game by unlocking achievements and hidden items you couldn’t get to initially.
In addition to this, players will also be able to customise their outfits further with the new transmog feature. The new feature allows players to cosmetically change their outfits to look like any other one that they already own. Respec will also allow players to freely reset their skill points to create a new paragon while playing. A new Herbalist vendor who sells animal parts is also part of the update.
The update also brings a revamp to Temporal Anti-aliasing that will improve the visual fidelity in Performance mode on the PS5 and rendering on the PS4 Pro.
Aside from the games we dove into here, there are also a number of other games that will be joining the PlayStation library. Of note, Tunic, an isometric action game released earlier this year, is making its debut on 27 September 2022. During the same period, you will also be able to get your hands on Season: A Letter to the Future. The game takes you on adventure of self discovery as the season comes to an end and the unknown future comes. Finally, there is also Rollerdrome, a game set in the not too distant future where a new blood sport has taken centerstage.
With all of these and more coming to PlayStation, what are you most excited for?
PlayStation’s State of Play just aired its latest edition earlier this morning. Like always, Sony presented their announcements back to back in spectacular fashion with a supercut of trailers, gameplay footage and announcements. Here’s the rundown of everything they announced for the PS VR2 in their 29-minute stream.
PlayStation’s PS VR2 is getting a whole load of new content. It starts with exclusive VR experiences from titles like Horizon and spans all the way to full games with titles like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky.
Horizon: Call of the Mountain
Developed by Guerilla Games in collaboration with Firesprite, Horizon Call of the Moutain thrusts you into the shoes of Ryas, a former Shadow Carja Warrior looking for redemption. To do this, you will be investigating a new threat to the Sundom. As Ryas, you’re a master climber and archer, skills you’ll need as you take down machines like the massive Thunderjaw! You will come across old and new characters from the main Horizon game, including Aloy herself.
Together with the main game of Horizon Call of the Mountain, you’ll also be able to experience the world of Horizon in the immersive River Ride experience. Take in the sights of the world of Horizon while your friends join you on the PS VR2 and the connected display. But look out as you may encounter some uninvited guests along the way!
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution
After the success of the first entry of the Walking Dead’s PS VR game, Saints & Sinners is getting a direct sequel with Chapter 2: Retribution. You return as “The Tourist” to New Orleans in the world of the Walking Dead. While there aren’t many details on the story just yet, Skydance is promising a gripping storyline with more weapons and ways to put them zombies down once and for all. The sequel will bring new firearms like the SMG and sawed-off shotgun and even a chainsaw for all your undead needs.
Together with new weapons, you will also be facing all new enemies like the Axeman who was teased at the end of the first chapter’s Aftershocks expansion. While the main baddy is here to ruin your day and keep you on edge, you’ll also be facing even larger hordes of undead as you work to end the Axeman’s schemes and survive.
Resident Evil Village is Coming to PS VR2
While Resident Evil 4 is coming to the PS5, its most recent entry will be getting the VR treatment. Resident Evil Village will be coming to the PS VR2 when it’s released – hopefully later this year.
You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Village as Capcom will be using everything that PS VR2 has to bring the game to life. The new PS VR2 headset brings 4K HDR displays with eye tracking and can even pair up with PS5’s 3D audio to put you in the thick of it all as you step into Ethan Winter’s shoes. You’ll be able to control everything in a natural way with the PS VR2’s Sense controllers. Feel everything in real time with PS VR2 when it launches.
No Man’s Sky is Coming to PS VR2
When it comes to games that got better with time, No Man’s Sky definitely takes the medal for it. The game which kicked off horrendously is now thriving with everything that was promised and more. The game has also successfully captured the attention of players both old and new with new campaigns with exclusive rewards. Now, it’s getting even better with a whole new experience coming to PS VR2.
Hello Games is upping the ante when it comes to space exploration with a whole new experience with the PS VR2. They are revamping everything from game menus to starship cockpits to give a more immersive experience to gamers. While this isn’t the game’s first outing on VR, Hello Games is looking to make the new experience even more immersive with the technology in the PS VR2 and its sense controllers.
That’s about it when it comes to announcements made for the PS VR and PS VR2 systems. Of course, there haven’t been any dates given for when these titles will be available but we’re expecting that Sony and the game devs have more to show before they reveal the exact dates. Keep in mind, that while the PS VR2 has been announced and will tentatively launch in 2022, there hasn’t been an official date as of yet. So, we will wait with bated breath for its release.
When HUAWEI and its sister brand started in the world of Windows PCs, we were quite curious. The dawn of smartphones and tablet devices were regarded by many experts as the beginning to the decline of bulky PCs. If you think about it as well, today we rely more on our smartphones than modern PCs.
The reality today is a large contrast to what the experts thought would happen many years ago. Smartphones thrived, which is largely in line with what was being said at the time. Oddly enough, Windows PC and Macs thrived too, there is even the Chromebooks now. All of which also points to the fact that PCs still have their place in the world today. In most cases, you tend to use both devices for differing functions. That is why Xiaomi also came up with the RedmiBook 15.
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
The RedmiBook 15, to be fair, looks like any other thin and light notebook that came out from any China manufacturers like HONOR and HUAWEI. They all have that same svelte and clean design with minimal branding. You can probably only see the branding on the cover of the laptop and the bottom of the display. Even the cover shell branding is rather subtle on the RedmiBook 15.
As its name suggests, it is a 15-incher notebook. Specifically, you get a 15.6-inch display that boasts up to 1,920 by 1,080 pixels in resolution. It is an anti-glare display with flicker-free technology to protect your eyes. Of course, sitting atop the display is a 720p webcam, nothing too special or surprising there.
The Microsoft Windows 11 machine is powered by Intel’s 11th Generation Core processors. There is no Core i7 model here though, you only get up to a Core i5. We presume that it is because they might want to keep costs low. Storage wise, you get up to 512GB in SSD storage paired with up to 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Graphics is handled by Intel’s UHD Graphics. All of these are kept running for up to 10 hours at a time with a 46Whr internal battery.
Yes, to be fair, there is nothing much to shout about here. Intel’s 12th Generation Core processors are gracing the field now. The UHD Graphics are also a little outdated at this point with Intel’s Iris Xe graphics going on every thin and light you can find in 2022. There is a reason why you might want to get your hands on one of these though, its cost.
Price and Availability
The Intel Core i3 variant of the Xiaomi RedmiBook 15 starts at MYR 2,399 which is not a lot of money to begin with for a Windows 11 machine. If you want to go for the more powerful Core i5 variant, it will set you back MYR 2,799. The Xiaomi RedmiBook 15 will be available 6th June, 2022 onward in all authorised Xiaomi stores nationwide (Malaysia) and on Xiaomi’s official online stores on Shopee and Lazada.
Whenever you go about choosing a camera system to buy for yourself. You are always stuck in a dilemma of some sorts. You must choose between the full frame format or the APS-C cropped sensor format. Generally, cropped sensor cameras are way cheaper because the sensor is smaller (hence, cropped sensor), and therefore the materials required to cocoon the sensors are less. There are differences and compromises for both APS-C sensors and full frame sensors, obviously, but we are not going to get into that for today.
There is plenty of reason why you want to go for an APS-C sensor other than its cost. Because they tend to be smaller and more compact, they are more versatile in different conditions. Even their lenses can be made smaller and more compact because APS-C sensors technically capture less light than full frame sensors. Thanks to that, APS-C specific lenses are cheaper to make and purchase as well. Of course, if you are into film making, the APS-C sensor size is perfect for Super 35mm film format.
There is a problem, however. Because everyone is so focused on bringing in more lenses for the full frame format option, the APS-C cameras get a little less attention. Sure, you can technically use full frame lenses with APS-C cameras, but they tend to get a little expensive. Sony has not forgotten that they offer a variety of APS-C mirrorless cameras too, thankfully. They have just announced three APS-C lenses that videographers and landscape photographers can enjoy.
E PZ 10-20mm F4 G
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Yes, it is a G Lens. How do you tell? There is a ‘G’ behind the name, obviously.
It is a very short lens though at 10mm-20mm. For photographers, this is quite perfect for wide-angle photography. It allows you to capture more in an environment than regular lenses, perfect for landscape photography. Sure, you can capture portraits too, you do have to move rather close to the subject though. That said, a good selfie never hurts anyone.
At 35mm, the lens becomes a sort of 15-30mm lens, which is still rather short and wide. For video work, this is the perfect lens when space is a constraint, and you need to move rather close to your subjects. It is also a perfect vlogger camera in a lot of sense. The short focal distance allows you to use the camera at an arm’s length and you still get to capture the large canvas behind you.
It is also the lightest lens of its kind in its class. It weighs just 178 grams, 20% lighter than the SEL1018 lens it replaced. Thanks to internal zoom and focus mechanisms, there should not be any focus breathing while the camera changes its focus too.
E 15mm F1.4 G
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
The F4 offered by the 10-20mm zoom lens may not offer very deep ‘bokeh’ for your photos and videos. For that, you need a fast lens with large aperture. You need a 15mm F1.4 G lens.
Wide lenses are known to have some distortions on the outer edges of the images they capture. Sony’s know how in lens making though effectively compensates the distortion. At the same time, the three aspherical elements in their optics also allow the corners to be captured in detail reducing blurs and resolution loss at the corners.
Of course, F1.4 aperture allows photos to be taken with beautiful ‘bokeh’ in the background, especially in low-light photography or film making. With a focusing distance at just 170mm away from the subject, your ‘bokeh’ can really shine.
For video work, it is important that the focal length does not change even when the camera is focus hunting. Like the zoom lens, the internal focus mechanism allows the 15mm lens to focus hunt while eliminating focus breathing effects.
It is a heavier prime lens over the zoom 10-20mm. It weighs in at 219g, which is still technically not a lot of weight. It is still perfect for vlogging if you just want one focal length and be done with it. It is also wide enough for you to capture most of what you see in the background as well, so your vlogs get a little more flavour from the background.
E 11mm F1.8
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
If 15mm is not wide enough for you though, you can get your hands on an 11mm lens instead. It features all the same construction feature as the 15mm, which also means you get less focus breathing. The same aspherical elements also eliminate distortion and improve resolution in the corners of the photos taken with the 11mm lens.
At 35mm, you are shooting at 16.5mm focal length, which is still quite a perfect distance as a vlogging lens. At the same time, it is the perfect lens when space is an even bigger constraint in shoot locations. It is lighter than the 15mm as well at 181g, perfect for a quick ‘run-and-gun’ shoot condition.
While the aperture is not as large as the 15mm lens at F1.8, it is still quite a significant opening. The large opening allows the lens to capture plenty of light in low-light conditions and still produce beautiful looking ‘bokeh’. You can go even closer to your subject too at a minimal focus distance of 120mm.
Price and Availability
The three lenses that Sony has just announced are now available in Malaysia via Sony’s authorised retailers and concept stores nationwide. The E PZ 10-20mm F4 G will set you back MYR 3,299, the E 15mm F1.4 G will set you back MYR 3,299, while the E 11mm F1.8 will set you back MYR 2,399). More information on the new Sony lenses can be found on their website.
If you want to get a fitness tracker, and you have a good budget to work with, we will always put Garmin on the top of your list. They are, undoubtedly, the kings of fitness trackers at this point. They have the fēnix series, a multipurpose and extreme activity tracker at a premium price point. They also make the vívosmart series that is meant to be an entry-level fuss free fitness tracker.
They also make rather focused fitness trackers too, specific to different sport functions. One of the most popular models in their line-up is the Forerunner series. It is hardly surprising though, the Garmin Forerunner series is made specifically for running, one of the simplest activities you can do to start getting in shape. It is also probably something you have been doing for a while now.
Garmin introduced their Forerunner 245 about two years ago. The Forerunner 245 is made for the intermediate runners, or people who are already quite familiar with running. It packs all sorts of tech that a runner might want. You get GPS, an adaptive training plan feature, specific sensors to track your stride lengths, ground contact time, balance, and whatever you need to know about your running posture. Of course, there is a heart-rate sensor built into the watch.
That was two years ago, it is 2022 and the Forerunner 200 series needs a successor, a modern refresh of some sorts. Welcome to the Forerunner 255, the new and improved mid-range Forerunner.
Better in Every Way
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Very much like the Forerunner 245 it replaces; it is made for the enthusiast runners. It is better though, with longer battery life – 14 days on a single charge. It has an accurate GPS as well, in GPS tracking mode, it will last up to 30 hours.
It is also lighter at just below 50g. It is so light; you are not going to feel any resistance or weight in your arms as you go for your run. Of course, you might want to wear it to sleep as well, which means the lack of weight will not affect your sleep at all.
They made it to be more durable too. The entire body is made to be as rugged as a runner’s watch can be. Its included silicon band is made to last a long time and to withstand plenty of sweat without disintegrating.
Of course, the Forerunner 255 also retains all its exercise tracking functions to not just track your running, but to improve your lifestyle as well. it features more than 30+ exercise modes including a triathlon mode to make the Forerunner 255 even more versatile than before. Its advanced sleep tracking function not only measure your sleep patterns and heart rate. It also gives you suggestions to improve your sleep and to get through your day.
If you are going for a race, the watch can also be your coach in recommending programs for you to hit your goals. It helps you understand your body a little better too with a recovery time recommendation and performance condition tracking. At the same time, the watch tracks your training history and intensity to optimise your trainings and fitness regimes. In a race, it can even predict your training’s impact and estimates your finishing time.
Of course, to keep track of everything, you do not need to just rely on the small watch face you get on the Forerunner 255. Despite the brilliant 1.3-inch display protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 3, you still want to see all your efforts in a report on a larger display. That is where the Garmin Connect app compatibility comes in. It also supports Garmin Pay, in case you need to quickly pop-by for coffee or any other things.
Price and Availability
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is now available in the North American region. The most basic Forerunner 255 is retailing for US$ 349 (MYR 1,532*) onward. There is also a music variant that allows your Garmin Forerunner to connect to your wireless earbuds and play music directly from the smartwatch itself for US$ 399 (MYR 1,751*) onward. You can get your Forerunner 255 in either 41mm or 46mm watch face sizes. There are no announcements yet on its availability in other regions, including Malaysia. Of course, we expect to see Garmin launching their Forerunner 255 in Malaysia in the coming months.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.39 as of 06/01/2022 on xe.com
3D technology seems to have gone the way of the dinosaurs when it comes to TVs and monitors. However, Acer is looking to bring it back with a slew of new products and software built around SpatialLabs’ stereoscopic 3D technology. Of course, this isn’t their first foray into the space, they announced a SpatialLabs Edition of their ConceptD 7 creator laptop last year. This year, the company has already announced their new Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs edition which is poised to revolutionise gaming with stereoscopic 3D.
Acer SpatialLabs View & View Pro Displays
Joining this lineup of devices are two new displays equipped with 4K resolution and SpatialLabs technology. The new Acer SpatialLabs View and View Pro displays bring stereoscopic 3D mainstream and make them more accessible than ever before. The small, 15.6-inch form factor of both displays combined with the lightweight build makes them ideal companions for creators and even gamers looking for an enhanced experience.
The SpatialLabs View and View Pro are also being geared for commercial use with organisations like the National Taiwan Museum to bring inanimate, ancient artefacts back to life. The small, portable form factor of the displays also allows it to be transported without much hassle to be used by designers to bring their renders beyond the display and for gamers to delve into the metaverse. The experience is enhanced with the 100% coverage of the Adobe RGB gamut.
One Click Stereoscopic 3D Gaming with TrueGame
Of course, with the rollout of two laptops and displays, Acer isn’t just leaving users in the lurches. In particular, when it comes to their recent announcement of the Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition, the company is bundling software that will allow users to experience stereoscopic 3D with a single click.
Source: Acer
SpatialLabs TrueGame will take advantage of depth data already present in games to create a more immersive experience for gamers. This is possible as designers already design objects, characters and worlds in games with depth data. TrueGame uses this data to generate realistic, immersive worlds that revolutionise the gaming experience. The application will be launching with over 50 game titles that will have optimised profiles for a better stereoscopic 3D experience. There will be more profiles added as time passes.
That said, SpatialLabs TrueGame will be able to generate stereoscopic 3D for just about any 3D game. It’s as simple as launching the game with the TrueGame application. Once launched, SpatialLab’s technology takes over and generates the world in realistic, stereoscopic 3D.
Create in Native 3D and Transform 2D assets with SpatialLabs Go and Model Viewer
Together with TrueGame, Acer is also including SpatialLabs Go and ModelViewer in its SpatialLabs editions. Creators will be able to immerse themselves in their creations with Model Viewer while Go will allow them to bring 2D assets into the 3D space.
SpatialLabs Go utilises AI technology to generate stereoscopic 3D content from almost anything with the press of a button. It will be able to transform simple pictures into 3D experiences and even bring you into the world of The Wheel of Time and follow more realistically the adventures that occur there. It also brings 3D creation to the fingertips of those who have no experience in creating in 3D by turning pictures and videos into immersive 3D experiences.
Source: Acer
With SpatialLabs Model Viewer, users will be able to all major file formats natively on the View Pro. This allows users to create with peace of mind as they show work on their creation or even show it off on the Acer SpatialLabs View Pro. The software is able to work with files created in programs such as Datasmith, Revit, Solidworks and Cinema4D. It even works with Maya and Blender allowing on the fly creation in both 2D and 3D.
Acer is banking hard on stereoscopic 3D technology with these announcements and they look poised to be ahead of the game. While many others have tried and given up, the company is looking to bring a more immersive and realistic experience as the world braces itself for the advent of the metaverse.
As the world regains a sense of normalcy, the wanderlust in all of us is being reignited. It goes without saying that we’ve heard of people or even loved ones travelling around the world again for work and leisure. The travel bug is definitely coming back with a vengeance. In fact, the number of people travelling in April and May 2022 returned to their pre-COVID numbers in 2019.
Traveloka has noticed this uptick and is working to help Malaysians travel overseas once more with their GOverseas: International Travel Fiesta. GOverseas will bring discounts of up to MYR1,335 for flight tickets, hotels and attractions. It will be happening on the Traveloka travel super app from 31st May to 6th June 2022. The Traveloka super app will also be surfacing and highlighting deals to top international destinations during this time.
You’ll be able to get even more savings during GOverseas Fiesta’s daily flash sales which will happen between 9 pm and 12 am. MYR25 flight coupons are also up for grabs by completing “missions” in the app. These coupons are stackable – so collect enough and you might just get a free flight.
Source: Traveloka
“With innovation being a large part of Traveloka’s DNA and the fact that Malaysia has a 88.48 percent smartphone penetration rate, it makes good sense to reignite the wanderlust spirit among Malaysians digitally. We are enabling travellers to gain inspiration on what they can do overseas and learn about Covid-19 requirements apart from discovering good deals on the travel superapp and our website,”
Angelica Chan, Country Manager, Traveloka Malaysia.
One complication still remains with travelling overseas – COVID-19 SOPs and restrictions. Keeping this in mind, Traveloka is furnishing all the relevant information in a dedicated “Important Notices” tab. This tab will house all relevant information for travellers as they select their destinations.
The creative professional market is hot in its strides for a few years now. It is understandable though, since it is a fresh take on performance PCs that are not gaming specific devices. Before all these hard-charging devices exist, creative professionals had to mostly rely on gaming specific devices to get their specific work done and to meet their own requirements.
Gaming specific PCs had a lot of power packed into them, which is why creative professionals would understandably prefer them for their work. The thing is gaming specific devices are quite compromised for the professional creative studio. They tend to be loud, with the sometimes-extreme thermal requirements that are extra powerful hardware. The cooling fans must go into overdrive most of the time to cool the hardware which would usually make the entire room sounds like a bomb is about to go off.
Source: HP
Source: HP
Source: HP
Source: HP
Source: HP
Source: HP
It does not have to be so anymore though with a slew of devices designed and manufactured specifically for the creative professionals in the world of content creation, The HP ZBook Firefly G9 is such a device. As a bonus, its user gets to take it anywhere to get productive.
12th Generation Power
First things first, the ZBook Firefly G9 packs the most powerful Intel CPUs to date, the 12th generation Core processors. You can spec it up to an Intel Core i7 processor for the best-in-class performance in a chassis that only weighs about 1.47kg. You can pair the processor with up to an NVIDIA T550 or RTX A500 GPU for a smooth and fast 3D workflow anywhere you take the laptop. With up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, speed is never going to be a problem with the ZBook Firefly G9.
Ample Memory
To ensure that you have enough storage to work with, you can opt for up to 2TB in Gen4 PCIe NVMe SSD. Of course, you get to enjoy speedy access to all your work too when you need it. If you need to expand your storage, there is an extra Gen3 PCIe slot for you to work with.
Accurate Display
Everything you need is displayed via either a 14-inch or 16-inch display. Both options go up to WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200 pixels) resolutions with up to 100% sRGB colour gamut. While 400nits may not sound like a lot for a display for creative professionals, it is more than enough for most creative work remotely. If you wish to, there is a HDMI 2.0b power or two Thunderbolt 4 ports for you to connect to works specific displays for better colour accuracy and what not. It is also a 16:10 aspect ratio display, for extra working real estate on your laptop.
Made for Remote Working
The ZBook Firefly G9 is really made for remote working. It packs up to 13-hours in battery life, so that you can be working off-site for longer with no battery anxiety. If you need to go on a team meeting via teleconference, you get a 5-Megapixel AI camera that also tracks your movements while ensuring that your voice gets through loud and clear despite your busy surroundings. You do not only get WiFi 6E too, you get to opt for a ZBook Firefly G9 with 5G connectivity to really work anywhere you open your laptop. Of course, to keep prying eyes from your important work, there is an IR scanner with Windows Hello keeping your files guarded.
Pricing and Availability
The HP ZBook Firefly G9 will be available in Malaysia later in June 2022. Official pricing for the notebook will also be announced later. For more information on the HP ZBook Firefly G9, you can visit their website.
Having a projector at home makes a lot of sense. With enough surface area, you can have an entertainment display that is usually larger than regular TVs you find today. You can usually resize and change the placement of your projector at any time you want. You can stow it away too when not in use to have a much cleaner looking surface free of a blank TV screen. You can even use the projector at any flat surface you have in your home, which also means you can set up your entertainment hub anywhere in the home.
Obviously, there are some trade-offs. 4K resolution projectors are usually quite large and bulky, you hardly want to move them too much. To get the best sort of colours, you want an LED projector too, which also lasts long. Most of the LED projectors are not really made with portability in mind too though. Unless you go for BenQ’s GV30 projector, that is.
The BenQ GV30
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
The BenQ GV30 is the world’s first smart portable LED projector of its kind. It packs powerful 2.1-channel speakers as well so that you do not need to carry around a separate speaker set to get great audio anywhere you set the projector up. At the same time, the projector also offers up to 300 ANSI Lumens in projection brightness and up to 720p HD resolution at that. Colours should not be an issue too with CinematicColor and Rec. 709 colour gamut capabilities.
The LED light source is supposed to last up to 30,000 hours with minimal drop in brightness. Of course, it has multiple ports to sport all sorts of input like game consoles, smartphones, PCs, Blu-ray players, and even USB sticks. You do not need to carry a power cord with the projector as well, there is a built-in battery that allows you to use it anywhere with no fussy cables.
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
Source: BenQ
You may not even have to plug anything to the portable projector. It comes with Android TV onboard which also means that you can operate it like a TV without any other inputs. You can directly download apps from Google Play store and stream movies on your favourite streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos, or even Disney+. If you wish so, you can even stream contents directly from your iOS or Android devices.
Price and Availability
The BenQ GV30 will be available June 2022 onward via BenQ’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada. You can also get your hands on one via BenQ’s official retailers across the nation. It will retail for MYR 2,688. If you do pre-order your BenQ GV30 projector between the 20th of June 2022 and 4th of July 2022, you can get your hands on one at an exclusive price of MYR 2,499. For more information on the BenQ GV30 mini portable LED projector, you can visit their website.
