Infinix took centre stage at the Venice Film Festival with a new smartphone focused on content creation and storytelling. Infinix collaborated with the Italian Pavilion to explore the synergy between smartphone technology and modern storytelling centred around Infinix’s new smartphone the Infinix ZERO.
Infinix’s ZERO 30 Series focuses on the selfie camera looking to empower self-expression to a whole new level with a 50-megapixel sensor. This sensor is capable of recording 4K video. This is bolstered by the 108-megapixel main camera on the back that is complemented by a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
The new smartphone comes with the Mediatek Dimensity 8020 chipset. A flagship chipset from Mediatek with features built to take on flagship phones. The octa-core CPU is complemented by either 8GB or 12GB of TAM and 256GB of storage. Display-wise, it comes with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. All of this is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 68W fast charging.
Pricing & Availability
The Infinix ZERO 30 will be available in three colour options: “Golden Hour,” “Rome Green,” and “Fantasy Purple.”
Source: Infinix
In India, the 8GB/128GB model is priced at INR 23,999 (MYR1,350.76/USD$290.17/EUR€268.80), and the 12GB/256GB version costs INR 24,999 (MYR/1,407.09/USD$302.28/EUR€279.98), both available for pre-orders through Flipkart.
No official pricing has been announced for Malaysia just yet. But the company looks poised to bring the smartphone to global markets in the near future.
YTL Communications, better known by its telco name – YES, has revamped its 5G wireless broadband plans to bring faster, unfettered and affordable connectivity to the public. The mobile operator’s new plans redefine affordable connectivity with plans as low as MYR58. The new 5G wireless broadband plans have been simplified and streamlined into two offerings: “Gateway” and “Flexi”.
The “Gateway” plan brings YES 5G wireless connectivity to homes using the Infinite Gateway 5G WiFi 6 Router. This plan comes with unlimited 5G and uncapped 5G speeds. However, in places where there is no 5G coverage, users are able to use 4G connectivity which is capped at 150GB of data use. The Gateway plan comes with a 24-month commitment and contract. The plan is priced at MYR99 a month which is lower than the previous broadband plans that started at MYR148 a month for 120Mbps speeds.
The “Flexi” plan comes in at MYR58 a month with unlimited 5G data and speed. Similar to the Gateway plan, you will be able to fall back to uncapped 4G connectivity when outside the 5G network. However, the Flexi plan only comes with a SIM card. It doesn’t come with a router or a 24-month commitment and contract. You will need to get your own compatible CPE modem or a portable 5G modem to fully utilise the connectivity.
YES 5G‘s coverage is dependent on DNB’s current 5G network. Right now, that includes most urban areas in Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Putrajaya and selected areas in Selangor. You can check if your area is covered by the 5G network on the YES 5G website.
Maxis subscribers rejoice! You can finally access 5G connectivity thanks to the new plans being rolled out today. The plans come after more than a year of Maxis holding out on signing the Access Agreement with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB). In fact, the plans are literally being rolled out the day after an EGM with shareholders yesterday.
The new plans come with even more data and at more affordable prices than the previous ONE plans. Users who opt for these plans can access data up to 30 times faster on DNB’s 5G network with perks like access to new devices through Maxis’s Zerolution plans.
The All New Maxis Postpaid with 5G
Maxis’s commercial offerings are getting a total revamp. Brand new plans starting at MYR75 will be available to customers. New sign-ups can only opt for these plans while older Maxis ONE users will be able to upgrade via the Maxis app.
The all-new Maxis Postpaid plans start at MYR79 a month for 80GB of data on both 4G and 5G with an additional 40GB exclusively for use on 5G. A step up will get you 100GB for MYR109 with 50GB of additional 5G data. MYR139 gets you 120GB with an additional 60GB of 5G data while MYR169 gets you 150GB of data with an additional 75GB of 5G data. Maxis’s postpaid offerings cap out at MYR199 for 200GB of data with a 100GB additional 5G data. All the new plans come with unlimited SMS and calls.
Supplementary Lines & Maxis Family Plan Users
Users who are on Maxis’s supplementary lines will automatically get 5G access when the principal line is upgraded to the new 5G plans.
However, if you’re on the family plan, it doesn’t look like Maxis is updating their plans for 5G just yet. Instead, you’ll need to activate your 5G pass which will set you back MYR10 a month. Activating the pass does not get you any additional 5G data quota. It simply allows you access to 5G connectivity provided you have a supported device.
This activation is also done on a per-line basis, so for the Family Plan for 4 which costs MYR299 for 4 lines, you will need to fork out an additional MYR40 for 5G access on all your lines. The only consolation is that your first month is free.
Maxis Business Postpaid
Maxis business postpaid customers will benefit from the same plans as the regular Postpaid plans. In addition, they will be getting additional productivity data of up to 100GB and access to digital marketing solutions in their company subscription plans. New business postpaid customers and customers who opt to upgrade to the 5G plans can take advantage of an MYR10 rebate for up to 12 months.
Hotlink Prepaid & Postpaid
Hotlink subscribers will be able to take advantage of a bevvy of new plans offered on both Hotlink Postpaid and Hotlink Prepaid. The plans not only come with perks like “roam like home” which gives you access to your home data quota in Thailand and Singapore and a MYR60 rebate spread across six months.
The new Hotlink Postpaid plans come with highspeed 5G internet access and unlimited calls and SMS. The new plans start at MYR30 for 2GB of internet and cap out at MYR70 for 70 GB. The highest tier – Hotlink Postpaid 70 – comes with an additional 35GB of 5G quota.
On the prepaid side of things, users can opt to choose from a wide selection of new 5G-enabled plans that come along with additional features like Hotspot connectivity, and cashback as part of the Malaysian Government’s Pakej Belia initiative. Plans start at MYR3 a day for 3GB of data. The monthly passes come in at MYR45 a month and MYR60 a month. the MYR45 pass comes with 50GB of data with a bonus 25GB of 5G data while the MYR60 pass comes with 70GB of data and a bonus 30GB of 5G data. The latter also comes with Roam from Home capabilities unlocking data connectivity in Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore with the same quota.
There are also monthly “Unlimited” plans available for Hotlink Prepaid users which offer speed-limited access to 5G. The MYR55 pass gives you 100GB of data after which your speed is capped at 12Mbps while the MYR45 gives you 80GB beyond which your speed is capped at 6Mbps.
Cloud Gaming is becoming more mainstream with the rollout of faster broadband and 5G worldwide. In fact, certain games on platforms like the Nintendo Switch already use this technology to deliver stunning graphics with their limited hardware. However, until now, there has been no option in Malaysia. Yes, one of Malaysia’s telecommunications providers, is looking to change that with their partnership with NVIDIA to bring GeForce NOW to Malaysia.
Gamers can rejoice as their mobile devices from smartphones to tablets become top-of-the-line gaming platforms. GeForce NOW allows gamers to use their mobile devices to play AAA titles by offloading the monster’s share of graphics and processing to Cloud servers. NVIDIA’s latest GPUs power these servers’ technology and provide features like ray tracing for eye-melting graphical quality. In Malaysia, Yes 5G will be home to these servers. The company has commissioned the hardware from NVIDIA to run on their 5G network.
This technology allows all of your devices to become gaming devices. With the GeForce NOW app on the Google Play and App stores, you’ll be playing AAA games available on PC on your smartphones and tablets. That’s not all, Smart TVs can do the same all without the need for a console. You will have access to a plethora of games optimised for GeForce NOW from the Steam, Epic and Ubisoft game stores.
Yes is not only the home to the powerful NVIDIA Grid servers, their network has been proven to be able to support it. In fact, Yes was recently awarded the title of Malaysia’s fastest mobile network by OOKLA and nPerf. The telco is leveraging its network to be the first member of the NVIDIA GeForce NOW Alliance in Malaysia.
GeForce NOW memberships are available exclusively through Yes at cloudgaming.my. Yes is providing GeForce NOW for only RM50 a month or RM500 a year. This plan entails gaming sessions of up to 6-hours of continuous gameplay and access to free games. Additional games can be played by linking your Steam, Epic Games and Ubisoft accounts to GeForce NOW. Linking these platforms will also give you access to the growing number of games that are being optimised for Cloud Gaming.
One of Yes 5G’s catchphrases is “Good things happen when you say YES”. This rings true for the telco’s subscribers. Yes 5G subscribers will get to enjoy a steep 40% discount on the service at RM30 a month or RM300 a year.
YTL Communications owned YES has revealed another 5G-enabled postpaid plan. The telco has been one of the pioneers in rolling out 5G connectivity to the masses with their previously announced plans and Wireless Fibre 5G offering. Now, they’re rounding out their postpaid plans with a new offering – Power35.
The Yes Power35 postpaid plan is the company’s first capped plan. It has a data cap of 100GB for both 5G and 4G. According to their website, the plan comes with uncapped speed and infinite domestic calls across all operators. The highlight of the plan is the shared tethering or hotspot quota. Previous plans had data caps on their hotspot quota. All of this is being offered at MYR35 a month.
Previously, the company unveiled their unlimited plans with their Yes Infinite offerings. All of the Infinite plans come with Infinite data for your mobile device but come with data caps for your hotspot quota starting at 20GB and capping out at 110GB at the time of writing.
The MYR35 Yes Power35 plan is the first offering that comes below MYR50 and offers ample data for mobile and hotspot connectivity. However, it’s worth noting that 5G connectivity does use more data on average thanks to the higher speed and bandwidth.
Users are able to sign up for Yes Power35 or the Yes Infinite postpaid plans on the YES website or at the nearest YES Service Center or reseller. Of course, you can even register for it on the myYes application and have the SIM card mailed to you.
Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup has long been one of the most affordable smartphones available on the market. With the Redmi Note 11 series, the lineup took a step closer to bringing flagship-class specs with its 108-megapixel camera. This year, the series inches even closer with a 200-megapixel camera and high-performance display.
The new series comes with three entries – for now. Spearheading the lineup is the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G which comes with a 200-megapixel camera and the MediaTek Dimensity 1080. The Note 12 Pro+ 5G also comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage and runs on Android 12 with MIUI 14. On the entry-level side of things is the Redmi Note 12 without 5G which comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage and comes with a 50-megapixel camera. Sitting right in the middle of the lineup is the Redmi Note 12 5G which comes with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. It comes with a 48-megapixel camera and up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal space.
The hallmark of the new lineup is the 200-megapixel sensor which comes as the main sensor on the Pro+. This main sensor is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera. On the front of the Pro+ is a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The Pro+ comes with a 6.67-inch FHD+ Flow AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 900 nits peak brightness and Dolby Vision support. The Pro+ is also the only one in the lineup which comes with a dual-curved design making it more ergonomic.
The Redmi Note 12 5G’s 48-megapixel sensor is complemented by 8-megapixel ultrawide and 2-megapixel macro sensors. It comes with a 13-megapixel on the front. Display-wise it comes with a 6.67-inch AMOLED DotDisplay with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,200 nits peak brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The 5G version of the Redmi Note 12 comes with a curved back.
The Redmi Note 12 without 5G comes in a completely flat form factor. It has the same camera setup complementing its 50-megapixel sensor and selfie camera as the Redmi Note 12 5G. Even the display is the same. The major differences here are its processor, the lack of 5G connectivity and the 50-megapixel sensor.
The smartphones are IP53 splash and dust resistance certified. Xiaomi has also opted to keep the 3.5mm combo jack and IR blaster. All versions come with side-mounted fingerprint sensors which are embedded into the power button. They also all come with a 5,000mAh battery with 33W Fast Charging. However, Pro+ ups the ante a little bit with 120W HyperCharge.
Pricing & Availability
The Redmi Note 12 series will be available for pre-order in Malaysia starting on April 6, 2023. During this pre-order, purchases will be entitled to a free Redmi Smart Band 2. The e-commerce exclusive Redmi Note 12 (6GB + 128GB) will be available at a discounted price of MYR659 during this period.
In-store sales begin from April 15 onwards. Purchases made from this date onwards will be entitled to free Redmi Buds 4 Lite while stocks last.
Purchases and Pre-orders can be made at authorised Xiaomi dealers and the Xiaomi storefronts on Shopee and Lazada.
The official pricing and variants available are listed below.
Updated 24 March 2023 with pricing and retail availability. Pre-order details are available in the pre-order announcement article.
Samsung’s Galaxy A series has been one of Samsung’s most popular smartphone line up. The Galaxy A series underwent a reinvention in 2018 and began to take shape into the value-for-money offering that it is known to be now. This year, it looks like Samsung is scaling back the lineup – for now – with the omission of the follow-up to the Galaxy A73, the Galaxy A74. The new lineup is now spearheaded by the Galaxy A54 5G and the Galaxy A34 5G which continue to bring flagship user experiences to the midrange.
Source: Samsung
The new Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 come with Samsung’s Nightography and Au capabilities that we’ve seen in the Galaxy Z and Galaxy S lineups. Both the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A34 come with triple camera setups. The A54 comes with a 50-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). The setup is completed with a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 5-megapixel macro sensor. On the A34, the main sensor is a 48-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, PDAF and OIS. An 8-megapixel, f2.2 ultrawide sensor and 5-megapixel macro sensor complete the setup. On the front, the A54 5G comes with a 32-megapixel, f/2.2 selfie camera while the A34 5G comes with a 13-megapixel, f/2.2 sensor.
Together with optimisations that empower better low-light Nightography photos, these smartphones also come with video digital image stabilization (VDIS) which has delivered better, more stable videos in the flagship Galaxy S series. The camera experiences are also enhanced with the ability to remove unwanted reflections and shadows – a first for the Galaxy A series. Speaking of firsts, the new Galaxy A54 and A34 both come Continuity now. The feature, which has been available on Samsung flagships, allows users to seamlessly move between Samsung mobile devices while keeping their work and data on-screen.
The new Galaxy A series devices also come with long-lasting battery life and better performance thanks to the newer processors. The A34 comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 while the A54 comes with the newly announced Exynos 1380. Both come with Super AMOLED screens with FHD+ resolutions. The A54 comes with a smaller 6.4-inch display while the A34 comes with a larger 6.6-inch display. Both have Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and have 120Hz refresh rates.
Samsung has also guaranteed 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates for the new A34 and A54. The devices also come with a 2-year warranty.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy A54 5G will be available in stores starting on 7 April 2023 for MYR1,899. It will be available in Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet and Awesome White.
The Galaxy A34 5G will be available at the same time for MYR1,599. It will be available in Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet and Awesome Silver.
Official Specifications
Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G in Awesome Lime
Display
6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Display 120Hz refresh rate Vision booster
Dimensions & Weight
158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2mm, 202g
Camera
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera – F2.2 50MP Main Camera – F1.8 – AF – OIS 5MP Macro Camera – F2.4
32MP Front Camera – F2.2
AP
Octa-core
Memory
8GB Memory + 256GB Storage Expandable storage by up to 1 TB with an optional microSD card
Battery
5,000mAh (typical)
OS
Android 13 One UI 5.1
Security
Samsung Knox
Galaxy A34 5G
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G in Awesome Silver
Display
6.6-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Display 120Hz refresh rate Vision Booster
Dimensions & Weight
161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2mm, 199g
Camera
8MP Ultra-Wide Camera – F2.2 48MP Main Camera – F1.8, – AF, – OIS 5MP Macro Camera – F2.4
13MP Front Camera -F2.2
AP
Octa-Core
Memory
8GB Memory + 256GB Storage Expandable storage by up to 1 TB with an optional microSD card
The Heavy Reading 2022 5G Network Strategies Operator Survey provides insight into how 5G networks may evolve as operators and the wider mobile ecosystem continue to invest in 5G technology. The article will discuss some of the findings for 5G and edge computing, and conclude with a perspective centred around 5G security.
Drivers for 5G edge deployments
Current edge deployments are being driven by the healthcare, financial services and manufacturing industries. Heavy Reading says the next largest growth segment will be the media and entertainment sector, with 66% of respondents indicating they would deploy 5G edge services to these verticals in the next two years.
As the compiled data illustrates, the initial edge focus for service providers is to lower costs and increase performance. From a financial perspective, the main driver cited by 63% of those surveyed was to reduce bandwidth use and cost, followed by better support for vertical industry applications (46%) and differentiated services versus the competition (43%).
Two key criteria for edge deployments by smaller operators (less than $5bn in annual revenue) were improved resilience and application performance. Respondents cited that both these criteria had the effect of lowering costs and increasing customer satisfaction as service level agreements (SLAs) would be easier to fulfil.
Larger operators bring focus to differentiated services and applications that would create new revenues. The reason higher significance was communicated compared to smaller operators (68% versus 28%) might be centered in the need to compete not only with other telco service providers, but also hyperscalers. This presents an interesting observation considering that some service providers are looking to partner with hyperscalers to overcome challenges with edge deployment.
Edge deployment options
Even though a variety of different deployment options for the edge can be utilized, the most favored one is a hybrid public/private telco cloud infrastructure, with 33% of respondents preferring this choice. This finding is not surprising, as it allows service providers a good mix between ownership and control, and also reach.
As Heavy Reading points out, the cultural reluctance service providers retained when partnering with hyperscalers is now diminishing, primarily due to the speed at which hyperscalers can roll-out edge deployments.
Deployments at the edge of the network, actually on-premises, is also an option chosen by some service providers, and seems to be targeted at private 5G opportunities. Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is seen as a key enabler for private 5G, with private 5G for mining being a key segment for US tier 1 service providers.
The use of container-based technology at the edge
Linux containers allow the packaging of software with the files necessary to run it, while sharing access to the operating system and other infrastructure resources. This configuration makes it easier for service providers to move the containerized component between environments (development, test, production), and even between clouds, while retaining full functionality. Containers offer the potential for increased efficiency, resiliency and agility that can boost innovation and help create differentiation.
However, utilization of container-based technology remains a challenge for many service providers in the context of edge deployments. The survey confirms this complexity in the relatively slow pace of transition to containers, with almost half of respondents claiming less than 25% of their edge workloads are containerized today. This trend is forecasted to display greater adoption in the coming years, as over 50% of respondents expect 51% or more of their workloads to be containerized by 2025.
Other complexities with edge deployments
Cost and complexity of infrastructure is cited as the main barrier to current edge deployments (55% of respondents). Integration and compatibility between ecosystem components also scores high (49%). To address the integration and compatibility challenge, Red Hat has retained strong collaboration with partners focused on innovation for service provider networks.
Through our testbed facilities we can enable the development, testing and deployment of partner network functions (virtual network function and cloud-native network function) for accelerated adoption and mitigation of risk. We continuously validate network functions to ensure they’ll work reliably with our product offerings.
Additionally, Red Hat has developed numerous partner blueprints and reference architectures to allow service providers to deploy pre-integrated components from different vendors. Through our extensive portfolio, we provide a common and consistent cloud-native platform, accompanied by necessary functional components, orchestration and integration services from our partners for full operational readiness.
5G security concerns and strategy
Security of 5G networks has even great importance, primarily due to a more distributed network architecture, more capable devices, and a larger quantity of attack surfaces. The survey indicates a number of infrastructure capabilities that are important to service providers in a security context, including the use of trusted hardware and identity, and access management. In terms of securing the 5G edge, trusted hardware is considered a critical component for device endpoints.
As reinforcement to earlier points around container-based technology — container orchestration security and continuous image security scan and vulnerability analysis — also score highly. Trusted hardware and continuous image security scan and vulnerability are also the top two priorities for service providers’ 5G edge security strategies. They are also ranked highly as important capabilities for securing endpoints.
Zero-trust deployment and provisioning is also called out as an important factor. Zero-trust scores relatively highly in terms of consistent infrastructure provisioning for physical and virtual network functions (48%) and encryption of data in motion (46%).
While the majority of service providers say they are confident their 5G security strategy is robust, there is concern outside of the US related to maturity and the ability to scale. These concerns are centered around the internal resources and related skill sets needed to effectively implement a security strategy that includes ever-changing risks, compliance requirements, tools and architectural modifications.
Closing remarks
The edge expands opportunities and migrating toward it to capture new service and revenue opportunities, as well as network efficiencies, is a critical direction for service providers. With increasing demand and application use cases difficult to predict, technologies must be able to continually adapt to avoid inflexibility.
Service providers must implement security strategies and processes using different capabilities to effectively mitigate security risks. And these strategies and processes must be adapted over time as technologies, threats and needs evolve. Centralized identity management and access control is key for cloud-centric security approaches, using the principle of least privilege to provide users with only the access they need.
Malaysian Apple users rejoice as 5G will finally be available on your iPhone.
CelcomDigi has announced 5G support starting with the iPhone 12.
Thanks to the iOS 16.2 update, users on Apple’s telco partner networks of Celcom, DiGi and U Mobile are now able to connect to the 5G network. This marks the end of a long wait for iPhone users wanting 5G connectivity. Apple has featured 5G since it’s 2020 iPhone 12 while the national 5G network began operating just last year. At the moment, 5G connectivity is only limited to Apple’s telco partners. Maxis users will have a longer wait while Yes Mobile and Unifi mobile users are out of luck, as they are not listed partners.
To enjoy 5G on our device, first ensure that you have a 5G compatible model. Partners Celcom, Digi and U Mobile have announced 5G connectivity support for the iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 3rd generation SE models. You als need to be on a 5G-enabled mobile plan with an Apple telco partner and within their coverage area.
Next, you need to ensure your device has updated to iOS 16.2. and carrier settings are updated to version 53.1. To check this head to Settings>General>About. Once done, head to Settings>Mobile Data Options>Voice & Data to see the new 5G On and 5G Auto options. Choose either one and your iPhone is 5G ready. You also have the option of prioritizing 5G ahead of WiFi by selecting More Dataon 5G option in the Data Mode section.
For more information on 5G for iPhone, visit the official sites for Celcom, Digi and U Mobile.
Sony has broken ground in chipset manufacturing by announcing its new, ultra-low power ALT1350 Chipset.
CEO Nohik Semel is confident the ALT1350 satisfies increasing demand for IoT chipsets
Developed by Sony Semiconductor Israel (Sony), the new ALT1350 chipset is the world’s first cellular LTE-M/NB-IoT solution which enables both LPWA communication protocols and satellite connectivity. CEO Nohik Semel believes the ALT1350 is a game-changer and satisfies increasing market demand for multiprotocol, ultra-low power IoT chipset.
Sony claims the ALT1350 asthe most advanced IoT solution available and addresses service providers main concern; power consumption. The platform features an optimized standby mode (eDRX) that reduces power consumption by 80% compared to the current generation. This can improve battery life by up to 4 times, allowing additional functionality and smaller form factors for future devices.
A feature-packed chipset with innovative power saving and connectivity features
The ALT1350 brings new innovation to connectivity too. It’s sub-GHz and 2.4GHz integrated transceiver enables hybrid connectivity. This reduces power consumption and costs when connecting to smart meters, smart cities, trackers and more, while enhancing coverage. To benefit trackers further, there is both cellular and Wi-Fi-based positioning along with power-optimized concurrent LTE and GNSS. Furthermore, the chipset will operate with 5G networks and contains an additional LPWA radio transceiver with targeting operation in <1GHz and 2.4 ISM bands for truly universal connectivity.
As summarized expertly by Nohik Semel himself, the ALT1350 is “…the game changer we’ve been waiting for, which will enable IoT deployments, utilizing universal connectivity on edge processing and multiple location technologies”.
