Category Archives: News

[next@acer 2022] The New ConceptD with the Power of Intel’s 12th Generation Core processor and NVIDIA RTX GPUs

May 23, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

The creator space really took the center stage in the past two years. Brands started paying attention to powerful rigs that are built for content creation instead of pure gaming performance. To be fair, the requirements in the content creation industry and the gaming industry is not far off.

Content creation sometimes require power hungry rigs that can take a beating no matter what you might throw at it. There is a small difference between a rig that is made to game and a rig that is made for the professional content creators. The gaming rig holds no bars, it can be made to be as bonkers as your wild imagination takes you. The content creation rig must stick to a set of rules that allows it to match the ambience of the workplace. It also must be gracefully quiet while it does its thing in content creation. It also must be kept updated to go with the times, not in the interest of keeping up with appearances, more like cutting down their timelines and optimising workflow.

Welcome to the 2022 variants of the Acer ConceptD devices that should do just what is required of the content industry. Since Acer is big on eco-friendliness now, optimising workflow will also lead to a more efficient energy usage, thus saving energy and resources. With the new, more powerful than ever 12^th generation Intel Core powerhouses and NVIDIA’s proven RTX GPUs, it is possible.

Acer’s ConceptD 5 Series – Versatility at its Best

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

We start with the laptops. It should naturally be one of the most popular options for the world that is obsessed with remote working and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) workplaces. The ConceptD 5, in its previous form, is the most versatile content creation notebook in ConceptD’s vast line-up.

The ConceptD 5 and ConceptD 5 Pro of 2022 follows that versatile recipe that worked before. That is why you get a more expansive display at 16-inch. Instead of the usual 16:9 aspect ratio though, you get 16:10 for slightly more real estate in your work interface.

You get to spec it up with up to a 12^th generation Intel Core i7-12700H processor with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU. If you opt for the Pro variant, you can choose up to NVIDIA’s RTX A5500 GPU for good measure, especially when you are working with 3D workflows. With up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage space, your workflow should also be left uninterrupted no matter what you are doing. They say that the ConceptD 5 and ConceptD 5 Pro is designed to work with 6K resolution video workflows with no fuss.

When we say no fuss, the ConceptD is really designed munch out demanding work without breaking a sweat. With Their new Vortex Flow technology, the ConceptD 5 and ConceptD 5 Pro keeps itself cool without ever hitting 40db in fan noise, even when it spools up to its maximum speed.

Of course, a powerful internal should also be paired to an equally capable display for the professionals. For that, you can spec the ConceptD 5 series laptop with a WQUXGA (3,840 x 2,400) display at 16-inch. It is also an OLED display that covers up to 100% in DCI-P3 colour gamut with a ΔE<2 colour calibration. Colours do not only pop, its ultra-accurate as well with HDR capabilities and PANTONE certification at 400 nits of brightness.

It also packs HDMI 2.1 port to fit all sorts of modern displays. For the convenience of content creators, there is an SD card reader, a full one, not the MicroSD type. The ConceptD 5 series laptops also come with a Thunderbolt 4 port and a modern USB Type-C port for even more flexibility in terms of display and storage.

Acer’s ConceptD 500 Tower – Power, Power, Power

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

A laptop’s performance is always compromised though in favour of portability and versatility. For raw processing power, a desktop tower should always be the weapon of choice. That is what the Acer ConceptD 500 is for.

While it is a powerful, it is not bulky at just about 20L. Within the svelte exterior is a rather powerful 12^th Generation Intel Core i9 on tap, currently the most powerful CPU you can find in Intel’s line-up. On top of the powerful CPU, you can choose between a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or even an NVIDIA RTX A4000 for more 3D focused workflows.

Because there is more physical real estate within the enclosure of the tower, you can opt for up to 4TB of SSD storage and an additional 4TB of HDD storage to be used as a backup drive. At the same time, you can spec the PC with up to 128GB of RAM for good measure, especially when 3D rendering is concerned. If you need to transfer files between it and a shared server storage, the 10GBps port should do the trick.

Like the powerful laptop, the ConceptD 500 is also designed with subtlety in mind. It is designed to operate in ‘library quiet’ environments. Even at full chat, the 20L tower is still operating at below 40db leves.

Acer’s ConceptD 100 – Power, But Compact

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

Space can be a constraint for the modern content creator though. After all, real-estate is a premium these days and offices are getting smaller and leaner. For this environment, you need a compact PC, something that fits in a 10L case and still perform like a beast when it needs to. That is the ConceptD 100.

While you do not get Intel’s top end performer, you still have a lot of power in Intel’s 12^th Generation Core i7. If you are on a budget, the Core i5 is still a good option too. With the powerful CPU, you get to choose between an NVIDIA T400 or T1000 GPU, both are highly capable GPUs designed for 3D workflows.

You can get up to 128GB of RAM at fast 3200Mhz memory and up to 2TB HDD. For quick workarounds and optimised workflow, there is also a 2TB SSD (up to) on tap. It is also still versatile with a USB Type-C port with up to 10GBps data transfer speeds for good measure.

Of course, like any good ConceptD product, it is quiet. It is designed to work at less than 40db even at full chat.

Price and Availability

The ConceptD 5 will be available in the EMEA region September 2022 onward starting at EU€ 2,599 (MYR 12,114). The 20L ConceptD 500 tower will set you back EU€ 1,199 (MYR 5,587) onward September 2022 onward as well. At the same time, the ConceptD 100 will be available for EU€ 999 (MYR 4,656). There are no colour options for the ConceptD devices, they all come in the signature creamy white colour scheme that has been associated with the brand since its inception, except for the ConceptD laptop that comes in grey. These availability dates are also an estimation for the EMEA regions. There is no confirmation on local availability and pricing yet.

*Approximately based on the exchange rate of EU€ 1 = MYR 4.66 as of 23/05/2022 on xe.com

Computers, News

ASUS New Out of this World Zenbook Lineup in Malaysia

May 23, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Hot off their global announcements of brand new Zenbooks and Vivobooks, ASUS is bringing an out of this world lineup of Zenbooks to Malaysia. Spearheading the new lineup is the Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition which celebrates the anniversary of the first ASUS laptop to break the stratosphere.

ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition

The new Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition celebrates the 25th anniversary of the ASUS P6300 laptop being launched into space. The P6300 spent 600 days in orbit aboard the Mir Space station. The laptop managed to stay in orbit and remain functional amidst power outages and fires aboard the Mir.

Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition UX5401ZAS Scenario Photo 09

To commemorate the feat, the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED is getting a make over. Aesthetically, the Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition will be sporting a Zero-G titanium colour and is emblazoned with etchings which hearken back to the Mir space station. In addition to the unique design, the Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition is also getting a durability update. It’s got SMC-S-016A durability which is 4 times stronger than the military standard we are now accustomed to.

The ZenVision Smart Display also makes its debut with the space themed Zenbook. The interactive 3.5-inch screen on the cover of the chassis allows you to express yourself in new ways. You can display custom messages and designs on the ZenVision Smart Display.

Powering the Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition is Intel’s 12th Generation Core i7 H-series processor with Intel® Iris® Xe graphics. Complementing this is 16GB of RAM and PCIe Gen4 compatible SSD Storage. It comes with a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The display is also PANTONE validated and has a 90Hz refresh rate.

Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition One Pager

Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED

Together with the Space Edition, ASUS is also bringing a new Zenbook 14 Pro experience with two screens. The new Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED brings the dual screen experience that was once reserved for larger laptops to a more accessible size. The new Intel EVO certified laptop comes with a 14.5-inch OLED display with a 2.8K resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate. Together with this screen is a next-gen 12.7-inch ScreenPad Plus secondary display with touch capabilities. ASUS also incorporates a new AAS Ultra auto-tilting design that helps with cooling and makes working on the dual screen setup more ergonomic.

Powering the new Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is Intel’s 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H. This is complemented by the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti and 16GB of RAM. Completing the setup is a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD.

Zenbook Pro 16X OLED

ASUS is also debuting its first creator focused Zenbook with the Zenbook Pro 16X OLED. The supersized Zenbook comes in a 2.4kg unibody carved out from aerospace grade 6000-series aluminium alloy. It’s also only 16.9mm thin. It’s also equipped with a PANTONE Validated, 16-inch 16:10 4K OLED display with a 60 Hz refresh rate, HDR and touch capabilities. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut.

The NVIDIA Studio certified laptop is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU. This is paired with a 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H and 16GB of RAM and 1TB of PCIe 4 SSD storage. ASUS is also introducing their IceCool Pro cooling system to keep things chilly for the best performance. The two IceBlade fans cool the vapour chamber. Hot air is then vented to the exterior via the AAS Ultra mechanism.

The Zenbook Pro 16X also brings the creator centric ASUS Dial rotary controller. This feature was reserved for their ASUS ProArt lineup until now. The dial allows creators to easily access their brushes, settings and more with simple, intuitive controls for finer control of functions. In addition, it also has the all new White-RGB ASUS Intelligent Lighting System that allows interactive indicators for power or performance status.

Zenbook 14 OLED

Rounding up the new lineup is the Zenbook 14 OLED. The new Zenbook 14 OLED brings an elegant, lightweight design which features ergonomic, productivity focused features for the go-getter.

The Zenbook 14 OLED is running on Intel’s 12th Generation Core i7 and Core i5 processors with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe Gen4 storage. All versions of the laptop come with Intel Iris Xe Graphics. It’s also fully equipped with a full array of ports including an HDMI and microSD card slot.

ASUS Numpad 2.0 also makes a return to the Zenbook 14. In addition, ErgoLift makes typing on the keyboard a more ergonomic experience keeping carpal tunnel syndrome at bay. Display wise, the Zenbook 14 comes with the same display as the Zenbook 14X OLED.

Pricing and Availability

The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition will be available in two configurations. The i7 version will be retailing at MYR6,499 while the i5 version will be retailing at MYR5,599.

The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED will be available in two colours: Ponder Blue and Aqua Celadon. The i7 version of the 14 OLED will only be available in Ponder Blue and will retail for MYR5,599 while the i7 version will be priced at MYR4,399.

The Zenbook Pro 16X OLED will be available for MYR11,999 while the smaller Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED will be priced at MYR8,999.

Buy and Redeem Promotion at 2022 ASUS Zenbook Grand Launch

All the laptops will be on display at the ASUS roadshow which is happening at MidValley Megamall until 29th May 2022. You may also be able to walk away with free gifts with every purchase made at the roadshow.

Official Specifications

Computers, Lifestyle, News

[next@acer 2022] The Chromebook Spin 714 and Chromebook Tab 510 Announced – The Better Chromebook Got Better

May 19, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

The Chrome OS is seeing a sort of resurgence lately. This has nothing to do with our very own editorials regarding the hardware that is the Chromebook Spin 713 though. It was not entirely because of the whole pandemic situation either that saw the drastic spike in demands for PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. It was more because the Chrome OS is a genuine choice in the computing world now.

What is there not to like? They are cheaper than their Windows counterparts. Chromebooks comes in all shapes and sizes that are mostly thin and light. They are also very simple to operate with and works well with your smartphone.

Acer’s Chromebook Spin 713 was one of the most premium Chrome OS alternatives that you can find in the market. The convertible also featured a very heavy-duty construction with MIL-STD 810H certification. It is also one of the most powerful Chromebooks you can find in the market currently. So powerful in fact that you can technically play games on it with Steam’s Alpha build. We will be going through that soon.

Of course, when Acer says there is a new one, we are naturally excited. Welcome to the Acer Chromebook Spin 714. To be fair though, there are actually little differences between the new premium Chromebook compared to the older one.

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

The Chromebook Spin 714 followed the recipe that was the Chromebook Spin 713. There are small design differences that makes the new one stands out just a little more with some subtlety as well. It is striking yet understated, we like it. Of course, you still see the Chromebook branding that is expected of any Chromebook.

It now comes with a 14-inch display with 100 sRGB colours. The slightly larger display boasts either a WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) or WUXGA (1,920 by ,1200) resolutions. Instead of the older 3:2 aspect ratio, it is a more regular 16:10 display. The panel is still protected by Corning’s Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass. The glossy finish also helps with clarity and vivid colours of the display.

The webcam that comes with the new Chromebook Spin 714 is not a regular 720p webcam that most Windows PCs come with. Instead, you get a premium Full HD webcam experience with the Chromebook that should be a large improvement over most Windows laptops. At the same time, there are two microphones flanking the webcam for better voice capturing for a much better video conferencing experience.

Of course, the 2022 model of Chromebook packs a modern powerhouse in Intel’s 12^th generation Core processors (up to Core i7) that now takes advantage of the big-small architecture that is made popular in smartphones. It could also mean a huge boost in terms of performance for the Linux based interface. It is also an Intel Evo certified platform, just to make the deal sweeter.

It also packs all the modern gizmos you can ask for in a modern laptop. You get WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, backlit keyboard, DTS Audio, full-sized HDMI port, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB Type-C) for extra versatility. You can even opt for a fingerprint sensor for fast and secure logins.

Acer Chromebook Tab 510

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

While the military standard build of the Chromebook Spin 714 may mean that it’ll survive hard knocks and drops, it may not fit in well in rough environments on the field. It might be a little cumbersome too. That is where you have the Acer Chromebook Tab 510 Chrome OS tablet. You can even opt it with LTE connectivity as well, if you are constantly on the field.

It is a much more compact device with a 10.1-inch IPS display. The panel boats WUXGA (1,920 by 1,200) resolution with 16:10 aspect ratio. It is also protected by Corning’s Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass to not just protect from bacteria and germs, but also from scratches and bumps it might face in the field.

Powering the tablet is a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 Compute Platform system on a chip (SoC). Because it is an SoC with built in modem, you get to opt for an LTE enabled version to keep you going in the field without WiFi. At the same time, the efficiency of the SoC means that the tablet can go on up to 11-hours in continuous use from a single charge. You also get a 5-Megapixel front facing camera and 8-Megapixel rear camera for all kinds of work needs.

The entire tablet is built with durability and ruggedness in mind. It is of course certified with MIL-STD 810H standards. The chassis is built to withstand high impacts. It is reinforced and comes with shock-absorbing corner bumpers just to ensure that it can stand the impact of being dropped from 122cm.

Price and Availability

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 will be available starting August 2022 at US$ 749.99 onward. There will be an enterprise edition of the Chromebook Spin 714 too available starting August 2022 at US$ 1,099.99. The Acer Chromebook Tab 510 will be available starting July for US$ 399.99.

All the new Chromebooks comes with USI stylus support. Unfortunately, the styli are not included with the new Chromebooks. There are also no mentions on its official availability and pricing for the local market currently. More information on the new Chromebooks can be found on their website.

Computers, News

[next@acer] Acer Introduces Swift 3 OLED

May 19, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Acer’s Swift lineup of thin and light laptops gets a much needed boost with OLED technology. The company announced an all new OLED edition of their mid-range offering, the Swift 3. The new Swift 3 OLED joins the stable of impressive thin and light offerings which have seen much success for both their features and price point.

The Swift 3 OLED stands out due to its 14-inch WQXGA+ OLED display; a first in the laptop series. The display comes with a 2.8K resolution and comes with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It’s also got an impressive 92% screen-to-body ratio. The display is also one of the most colour accurate displays with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut. What’s more it’s also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified. It’s one of the most vibrant displays on an Acer laptop.

Intel’s latest 12 generation Core H-series processors power the experience on the Swift 3 OLED. The laptop is an Intel Evo Platform verified device. This means that it will be able to provide at least 10 hours of use on a single charge and supports instant wake from sleep. You’ll also be able to get over 4 hours of usage from a 30-minute charge. On the graphics end of things, the laptop will be relying on the integrated Intel Iris^® Xe graphics which should be more than enough for basic photo editing and creative work.

Staying true to their Earthion platform, Acer has also incorporated ocean bound plastics in their new Swift 3 OLED. The track pad of the laptop is made of OceanGlass which is made from ocean bound plastics. The 1.4kg laptop is made of a slim 17.9mm thin aluminum chassis providing it with sturdiness and rigidity. Acer is also upping the ante with its cooling with a unique keyboard design with an inlet that helps dissipate up to 10% more heat. It’s also equipped with all the connectivity options that we’re accustomed to when it comes to Acer Swift Laptops including the latest WiFi 6E connectivity.

Pricing & Availability

The Swift 3 OLED will be available starting in May 2022 in China and in July 2022 for the rest of the world. It will cost RMB4,999 (MYR3,253.12) in China, USD$899.99 (MYR3,955.88) in North America, and EUR999 (MYR4,598.46) in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Accessories, Computers, Lifestyle, News

[next@acer 2022] Acer Expands the Vero Series to an Entire Line-up – Eco-Friendliness is not A Gimmick

May 19, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

When organisations say that they are going green, they make things sound super simple. They start with their target numbers, their current numbers, their future, and that is sort of the end of their story, as far as eco-friendliness is concerned. When it comes to talking about making products more sustainable, they usually refer to their current production method and use of sustainable materials in products.

Acer is doing it differently though.

Acer announced their Earthion initiative back in 2020. In that, they have committed to making their company as sustainable as possible in the coming years. They plan to fully rely on renewable energy by 2035, which is a lofty ambition. They also mentioned that for them to achieve such lofty ambitions, they needed the help and support of their entire support chain too. They needed their support system to comply to their own standards of minimal carbon footprint and completely relying on renewable sources of energy.

Welcome to the entire range of Vero products. We have seen the Aspire Vero and TravelMate Vero launched before. The Aspire Vero was so interesting that National Geographic wanted their brand on the product, thus the Acer Aspire Vero National Geographic Edition that we recently saw.

With Next@Acer 2022, the Vero line-up is complete. They have introduced the new Veriton Vero All-in-One desktop solution and two new Vero monitors with premium IPS panels.

Acer Veriton Vero

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

The first thing that greets you when you take the Veriton Vero out of its 100% recyclable packaging is the brilliant 24-inch Full HD IPS display. The bezels are super-thin, in fact the display covers 88% of the Veriton Vero’s body. If you need to, the entire thing is VESA compatible to keep your table organised and clean.

The Veriton Vero’s shell is made of the same PCR material that the Aspire Vero is made of. It is constructed with 30% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) materials. The included keyboard and mouse also come with 65% PCR materials on top and 30% ocean bound plastics at the bottom to not only match the design intricacies that is the Veriton Vero AIO, but also as a statement of commitment to their Earthion programme. The AIO itself also features a screwless back so that users can easily access the internals to either upgrade or repair the device. Of course, Acer’s service centres will always be happy to help.

Once you open it up though, you will find Intel’s latest and greatest 12^th Generation Core i9 (up to) processor and can spec it up to an NVIDIA GeForce MX550 GPU. You can even fit up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 3200 MHz RAM modules to the AIO if you need. This Veriton Vero is a workhorse with these internals.

To top it all off, you get WiFi 6E capabilities built-into the AIO for a fast, reliable, and stable internet connection. With two USB 3.2 Type-C ports that supports up to 20Gbps data transfer speeds, it is a versatile piece of kit on your desk. In the way of storage expansion, the Veriton Vero can support up to two M.2 SSDs at 2TB capacities.

Being powerful is never enough. You need it to be safe too if you are going to rely on it for work. BlueLightShield protects your eyes in extended use cases by reducing blue light emissions by up to 30%. Your data is kept save with Windows Hello’s IR facial recognition scanner with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 built into the device. There is also a Tobii Aware smart sensor that locks out any other users that tires to access the PC. The same camera that does all this is also your webcam that can be shuttered to keep prying eyes at bay. You can even turn it away from you to project an entire room in a video conference.

Vero Monitors

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

Thing is, you might not need a Veriton Vero AIO. You already have a functioning PC, but you need a monitor instead. Acer has you covered with a 27-inch Full HD CB273 monitor or a 23.8-inch Full HD B247Y G monitor.

While Acer wants to keep it as affordable and accessible as possible, you are not getting some random VA LCD panel for your monitors though. Both monitors feature IPS panels for accurate colour reproduction and plenty of viewing angles. The panels are good for a ΔE<1 rating and TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe^® certified. They even come with KVM switch function to allow you to work with multiple PC inputs at a time. This way, you only need a single set of keyboard and mouse to work with. It even provides up to 90W power delivery via its USB Type-C port so that you only need one running cable from your wall port.

The best part about it is that it is made almost entirely of recycled materials. The entirety of the body is made with 85% PCR and 5% ocean bound plastics. Yes, it also features the same sort of design and look as the Aspire Vero. You might want to think about pairing the Aspire Vero to this monitor, just to match the looks.

Aspire Vero, now with 12^th Generation Intel Core Processors.

Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer
Source: Acer

Of course, the original Aspire Vero cannot be forgotten with the other products. The Aspire Vero, after all, is the original Vero product. The Vero line-up might not have been a thing if its not for the Aspire Vero. It is 2022 though and the Aspire Vero is still outfitted with 2021 hardware.

For 2022, the Aspire Vero series gets a modern 12^th Generation Intel Core treatment. Both the 14-inch and 15-inch variant of the Aspire Vero also gets OceanGlass trackpads made out of ocean bound plastics. Nothing much else has changed other than that.

You get to pick from two colour options now though for both the 14-inch and 15-inch variants. The 14-inch variant now comes in Mariana Blue while the 15-inch variant can be opted with Starry Black colour instead of their original Cobblestone Grey colour option. They have also redesigned the packaging of the Aspire Vero a little bit so that more of its can be repurposed rather than disposed.

Price and Availability

The Acer Veriton Vero AIO is touted to be available July 2022 onward with prices starting from EUR€ 919. The Acer Vero CB273 and B247Y G monitors will be available somewhere in Q3 for EU€ 399 and EU€ 269 respectively. The updated Aspire Vero will be available in August 2022 onward with prices starting from EU€ 899 for the 14-inch variant and EU€ 999 for the 15-inch variant.

Note that these are the official availability dates for the European markets. There are no mentions on when theses eco-friendly products will be available in Malaysia currently. With that, there are also no mentions of their official pricing in Malaysia. For more information about these products, you can visit Acer’s website.

Gaming, News

[next@acer] Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition Brings Stereoscopic 3D to Gaming

May 19, 2022 Nur Jeevan 2 Comments

Acer’s SpatialLabs edition laptops were first announced for the designer focused ConceptD lineup. The technology allows for a more immersive experience when it comes to 3D design and content. This year, the company bringing SpatialLabs technology to their Predator with the new Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs edition.

PREDATOR HELIOS 300 SpatialLabs™ Edition PH315 55s 05

The Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs brings a whole new experience to gaming. It throws gamers into the thick of their games without the need for glasses. Using a combination of a stereoscopic 3D display, eye tracking solutions and real-time rendering technologies, games are turned into immersive 3D experiences. Backing the eye tracking technology is a a 15.6-inch UHD 2D panel. The panel has a liquid crystal lenticular lens bonded on top of it. The new, revolutionary module allows users to switch between 2D and 3D experiences seamlessly.

Acer takes it a step further with SpatialLabs’ TrueGame application which can use pre-existing data in game rendering to generate an immersive, stereoscopic 3D world. This is made possible as games are designed with depth in mind which allows the application to generate 3D landscapes and scenes in real-time.

Acer has already identified more than 50 modern and classic games that will have configuration files in TrueGame for better compatibility and rendering. This list of games will continue to grow with titles being added regularly. Acer may very well have the revolution we’ve been waiting for when it comes to 3D gaming with the Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition. It all depends on how the final product performs when it’s available.

The new Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition is packed to the brim with top of the line specifications to power the immersive 3D experiences generated by SpatialLabs TrueGame. Under the hood, it has a 12th Generation Intel Core i9 processor paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU. Complimenting the processor and GPU is 32GB of DDR5-4800 RAM and PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD storage. Acer is also adopting liquid metal thermal grease to complement a dual fan cooling system powered by a 5th Generation AeroBlade 3D fan. This combination allows more heat to dissipated from the processor and GPU more efficiently. Acer’s CoolBoost technology is only the cherry on top.

Pricing & Availability

The Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition will be available in North America in early Q4, 2022 for USD3,399.99 (MYR14,944.18) and in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) in September 2022 with prices starting at EUR3,299 (MYR15,194.02).

Business, Lifestyle, News

Streaming Meets eCommerce in iQiyi’s New Comedy – My Ofis

May 18, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

iQiyi chose a very opportune time to launch in Malaysia back in 2019. With the pandemic only just setting in, the streaming service saw a surge in subscribers. While that’s great news for the streaming company, they’ve adopted a business model that isn’t your typical streaming service. They provide a free, ad-supported tier that gives users access to their content.

That said, the iQiyi isn’t just resting on its laurels. The company is focusing on bringing new, original content to its platform. Naturally, this includes new, locally-produced series and tv shows. The first to debut is My Ofis which is produced by Longhouse Films. My Ofis brings together an ensemble of both emerging and seasoned actors. Malaysian legend, Alvin Wong stars together with Aeril Zafrel, Nasz Sally, Kahoe Hon, Phraveen Arikiah, Sherwyn Pang, and Pearlly Chua in My Ofis to bring to life the shenanigans that take place behind the scenes in a quintessential Malaysian office.

My Ofis follows Jasper (Kahoe Hon) as he leaves behind his rockstar dreams to care for his grandmother. He finds himself stumbling into a job at My Ofis run by KS (Aeril Zafrel) and his colleagues, Paul (Alvin Wong), Jessica (Nasz Sally), and Milo (Phraveen Arikiah). The series chronicles the antics of the people behind My Ofis as they navigate the business landscape.

The series will be premiering on 26th May 2022 on iQiyi. The debut season will consist of 12 episodes airing over six weeks. Each episode is 24 minutes long.

Of course, the show is just the beginning when it comes to My Ofis. iQiyi and Longhouse Productions are looking to revolutionize advertising on streaming platforms. Both companies are partnering with a local eCommerce app, JOCOM, to bring a new “watch, scan & buy” concept with the launch of My Ofis.

“Together with our partners Longhouse Films and JOCOM, we aim to work towards shaping a new content ecosystem fitting for today’s digital age, that empowers traditional brands and sellers to further digitalise through entertainment. My Ofis will open doors to more opportunities in bridging entertainment and eCommerce to support local brands, advertisers and marketers,”

Dinesh Ratnam, Country Manager of iQiyi Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei

The new concept will see QR codes pop up when there is any product placement in the drama. Users can then scan these codes and immediately purchase the items from the JOCOM app as they are watching the series. The new concept literally allows production houses to better monetize product placements in their series. Of course, My Ofis is just the beginning when it comes to exploring this new concept.

QR screenshot — Screenshot of product placement QR Code in My Ofis. Source: iQIYI

My Ofis will premiere on May 26, 2022, across all countries where iQiyi is available. It’s already been greenlit for a second season which will be launched soon.

Android, Mobile, News

OPPO Launches the Find X5 Pro 5G in Malaysia – Another Hasselblad Masterclass at MYR 4,999

May 18, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

When OnePlus launched their flagships with Hasselblad branding to sport their newfound partnership and investment, we were excited. It meant a new dawn for smartphone photography, especially in the OnePlus devices which have always been a pleasure to work with, but can be a nightmare to take photos with, in the past. The result was nothing short of breath taking at the time. OnePlus flagships finally had great cameras to work with and Hasselblad successfully penetrated the mobile photography space, except they were a little out of their depth with smaller than small camera sensors. Still, they know a thing or two about cameras, and they managed to pull together something for the OnePlus devices.

We knew as well that it was just a matter of time before the Hasselblad name gets passed around within the brands associated with OnePlus, namely OPPO. It did not happen in the previous OPPO Find X, but it is happening now with the OPPO Find X5 series. But there is more to this OPPO flagship that makes it an even better mobile photography machine compared to even the OnePlus.]

Source: OPPO
Source: OPPO
Source: OPPO
Source: OPPO
Source: OPPO

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – Still the Best

To start with, The OPPO Find X5 Pro, the most powerful device OPPO has ever created, is packing a powerhouse of a System on a Chip (SoC) in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Yes, the Gen 2 is coming, but the Gen 1 is till the most powerful SoC you can find today. Pair that to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the device should not break any sweats even with multiple apps running in the background while you game to your heart’s content. But OPPO also understands that sometimes, one processor is not enough; you need two dedicated chips to get things done properly.

MariSilicon X – the Power of Light

The in-house developed NPU powers the three cameras out the back. You get one 50-Megapixel main camera with f/1.7 maximum aperture, another 50-Megapixel underneath an ultra-wide lens at f/2.2 aperture, and a 13-Megapixel telephoto camera. They call it the 4K Ultra night video camera and the MariSilicon X NPU is supposed to be the star of the show here. The new NPU allows more light to be captured by the camera in 4K resolution even in low-light settings. That also allows the cameras to capature HDR footages with more details even at night. For the first time ever as well, there is a 5-axis optical image stabiliser (OIS) fitted to the main camera for a smoother, more stable footage or images. Of course, there is Hasselblad’s input and engineering that allows the OPPO Find X5 Pro to capture colours more naturally and accurately.

Brilliant Display – Beauty is in the Eyes of its Beholder

To top everything off is a brilliant 6.7-inch display that boasts QHD+ 1440p resolutions. AMOLED LTPO panel also houses a 32-Megapixel selfie camera that captures great looking self-portraits. Protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus, the 10-bit 100% DCI-P3 display also boasts up to 120Hz in refresh rate and 240Hz in touch sampling rate. If that is not a brilliant display to enjoy contents, we don’t know what is.

Long Lasting Battery, or is it Batteries?

For the OPPO Find X5 Pro, OPPO decided that two batteries are better than one. In the standpoint of durability, heat spread, and even speed, it certainly is. The OPPO Find X5 Pro packs two 2,500mAh batteries to make a single 5,000mAh battery. That allows OPPO to fit their SUPERVOOC charging technology with up to 80W speeds and AIRVOOC technology at 50W without heating up the batteries too much. It also allows an even spread of heat energy to ensure that heat is always kept at a comfortable level while handling the device.

Price and Availability

The OPPO Find X5 Pro is now available for pre-order until 27^th of May 2022 via OPPO’s official web store, Shopee, and Lazada. You can get your hands on one for MYR 4,999 and you can choose between Ceramic Black or Ceramic White colour options. If you do pre-order your OPPO Find X5 Pro smartphone from the online stores, you are entitled to free gifts worth up to MYR 1,726, including an OPPO Enco X2, 1-year Screen Protection, and 1-year Extended Warranty, and Kevlar phone case. More information on the OPPO Find X5 Pro can be found on their website.

Computers, Gaming, News

ROG Unveils Two New Gaming Laptops – The Strix SCAR 17 SE and the Flow X16

May 17, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

It’s that time of year again when we see the latest and greatest from companies like ASUS being announced for the upcoming year. After the extensive display of their newly extended Vivobook and Zenbook lineup, ASUS is now extending their Republic of Gamers (ROG) portfolio with two new, power packed laptops.

ROG Strix SCAR 17 Special Edition

ASUS is reinvigorating their Strix SCAR lineup with a new, special edition of the ROG Strix 17. The new, cyberpunk inspired Strix SCAR 17 Special Edition has an elevated design language and higher graphics performance thanks to its 175W max TGP (Total Graphics Power) with Dynamic Boost.

The new SCAR 17 Special edition will be coming equipped with Intel’s 12th Generation Core i9-12950HX processor which is paired with up to 64GB of DDR5 4800MHz RAM. It also supports up to 4TB of internal storage in RAID 0 with PCIe 4.0 support. The top of the line processor, high-speed RAM and PCIe 4.0 support make it one of the fastest laptops revealed yet. It also means that your laptop will be loading quicker than ever before. It’s also got ROG’s exclusive Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal cooling which allows it to perform at higher speeds at lower temperatures.

Like its sibling models, the ROG Strix SCAR 17 SE will come in display configurations supporting either FHD resolution and 360Hz refresh rate or QHD resolution with 240Hz refresh rate. Both configurations have IPS level panels with Adaptive Sync and Dolby Vision support and 3ms GtG response times. This paired with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU is bound to give you an unbeatable visual experience.

In addition to its cutting edge specifications, the ROG Strix SCAR 17 SE features a new, metal chassis which has all the signature ROG swagger. However, ASUS has etched the chassis with a unique, cyberpunk design that holds a secret for its SCAR Runner game. The etchings are applied with a first of its kind invisible ink. Under regular lighting, you’d be none the wiser as it appears as a matte metallic shade. However, shining a UV light on the design makes the etchings glow an iridescent green and blue hue.

The SCAR 17 SE comes with all the connectivity that you would expect from a ROG laptop including USB Type A, USB Type C with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery, Thunderbolt 4, ethernet, HDMI and a combo audio jack.

ROG Flow X16

ROG’s convertible laptop lineup is also being extended with a wholly new, large entry. The new ROG Flow X16 is upping the ante when it comes to gaming convertibles. ROG is supersizing their 13-inch laptop and giving it a larger, 16-inch display. Still remaining as thin and light as the larger form factor will allow it, the Flow X16 brings a whole new Frost Force Technology and Pulsar Heatsink for a whole new level of cooling. It features three fans and a high-density heatsink to help cool and dissipate heat more efficiently.

In addition to the new form factor and cooling technology, the ROG Flow X16 is also coming with ROG’s flagship Nebula HDR Display. The new display is a QHD, Mini LED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate with 1100 nits peak brightness. It also covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut.

The Flow X16 continues to be powered by AMD’s Ryzen processors like the X13 before it. The X16 comes with configurations supporting up to a Ryzen 9 6900HS processor and up to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU. If that isn’t powerful enough, the X16 also supports the XG mobile family of external GPUs. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM with 4800MHZ speeds and up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD storage. It comes with a 4 speaker audio setup with support for Dolby Atmos.

As with all ROG laptops, the Flow X16 comes with a complete array of ports including the XG mobile interface which includes a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 support and power delivery. Aside from this, it comes with USB Type A, HDMI 2.0b, a 3.5mm combo audio jack and a microSD card reader.

Pricing & Availability

ASUS has yet to unveil pricing and availability at the time of the announcement.

Accessories, Health, Lifestyle, News

Garmin vívosmart 5 is Here for MYR730 – Garmin is Not Just Big and Bulky

May 17, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

When you think of a Garmin, you tend to think of a modern smartwatch with bulky and sturdy exteriors. You think of a round watch face that tells you everything you need to know about the time of day, weather, and much more. You think of a premium fitness tracker that will keep up with you and tell you whatever you need to know in a single glance.

One thing that you hardly think about, when you think Garmin is a regular fitness tracker band that looks nothing like the smartwatches you know today. But Garmin does stellar basic fitness bands in the vívosmart fitness band.

They have just introduced their 5^th generation fitness band, the vívosmart 5 and it is better than before. It looks better too, more fashionable in some sense. At the same time, it is as simple to work with as before.

Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin

The Do Everything, Go Everywhere Band

It is a Garmin smart wear, which means you can expect it to be quite the powerhouse of a fitness tracker. Packing Garmin’s famous GPS algorithm, the Garmin vívosmart 5 tracks your location for distance travelled, pace, and speed through a myriad of activities including cycling.

It is also your protector when you are out and about. Not really a protector, that’s overselling it. It has some safety features that allows you to send out emergency alerts to designated contacts with your tracking information. That way, your emergency contact can find you wherever you are.

Watching You Sleep

That might have sounded a little creepier than we intended it to be. The Garmin fitness band is cleverer than before in monitoring your sleep than before though. They call it the advanced sleep features that scores your sleep and helps you understand your sleep patterns better. Of course, the tracker allows you to understand not just your sleep patterns, the understanding of your sleep patterns is the first step in helping you sleep better.

The vívosmart 5 understands your sleep patterns by detecting your body movements in your sleep. It breaks down your sleep state in hours and scores them based on their durations against your total sleep time. It is pretty much the same as any other fitness tracker you can find, to be fair.

What is different is that Garmin uses these data to formulate insights about your body for the day and even recommend practices to help improve your sleep. Garmin also has something they call the Body Battery feature that tracks your heartbeat changes from one moment to another. This allows the fitness band to understand your stress levels and recovery states at night.

24/7 Monitoring + Long Battery Life

On top of all of that, Garmin’s latest fitness band tracks your heart rate in real-time. Instead of a second-by-second update, the fitness band samples your heart rate multiple times every second for 24 hours for an even more accurate heart rate reading. It detects high and low heart rates and informs its users on these abnormal occurrences to ensure that you can seek for help quickly. It does that for seven continuous days too on a single charge.

Fashionably Stealthy

Source: Garmin
Source: Garmin

Garmin’s latest vívosmart 5 is designed with lifestyle in mind too. It must look good, fashionable. The larger and brighter display ensures that operations on the Garmin vívosmart 5 is much more intuitive and simpler than before. It comes in three attractive colours too to match your outfits. You can choose between Mint Green, Morning White, and Midnight Black.

Price and Availability

Garmin’s latest vívosmart 5 is available via Garmin’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada, AECO e-store, and Garmin’s brand stores and authorised retailers across the nation. It will set you back MYR 730 and as we mentioned, it comes in three colour options – Mint Green, Morning White, and Midnight black. More information on the Garmin vívosmart 5 can be found on their website.

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Acer Veriton Vero

Vero Monitors

Aspire Vero, now with 12th Generation Intel Core Processors.

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Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – Still the Best

MariSilicon X – the Power of Light

Brilliant Display – Beauty is in the Eyes of its Beholder

Long Lasting Battery, or is it Batteries?

Price and Availability

ROG Strix SCAR 17 Special Edition

ROG Flow X16

Pricing & Availability

The Do Everything, Go Everywhere Band

Watching You Sleep

24/7 Monitoring + Long Battery Life

Fashionably Stealthy

Price and Availability

Tech Your Way

Aspire Vero, now with 12^th Generation Intel Core Processors.