In the new era, every consumer has different needs and requirements toward television and LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled its first QNED Mini LED Television (TV). Nam Ho-jun, senior vice president of R&D at LG’s Home Entertainment Company said that the newest models of television, the QNED series, are premium level home entertainment options for the consumers. Of course, the new TV also allows consumer to improve the LCD TV space in their house.
LG Electronics claims that the new QNED Mini LED TV is the premium tier of the LCD TV line-up. It also represents a great leap forward in LCD TV picture quality. The QNED Mini LED TV is built-in with the a new panel structure that merges quantum dot and NanoCell technologies with Mini LED light source which produces a better picture performance and even wider color gamut and even better contrasts. The advanced panel is able to provide a vivid viewing experience for the user in the LCD space.
The new panel construction is supposed to produce incredible looking color thanks to the advance LED backlighting that provides better contrast and deeper black. Also, the new QNED Mini LED TV packs up to 30000 tiny LEDs, 2500 separate control zone, and advanced local dimming technology that able to enhance contrast, shadow detail, and incredible peak brightness.
The QNED Mini LED TV also boasts a contrast ratio of 1000000:1 display. The also boast excellent HDR image quality thanks to the never seen before contrast and deep blacks. Moreover, QNED Mini LED TV is equipped with a 120 Hz refresh rate for some next generation console readiness. Without a doubt, the new QNED Mini LED TV is the new flagship TV from LG.
Price and availability
LG is launching 10 new 4K and 8K TVs through 2021. The largest size of TV that will be available for 2021 from LG goes up to 86-inch currently. Consumers may explore the LG’s top-of-the-line 86-inch 8K television during the CES 2021, LG virtual exhibition booth, starting January 11. For more information, you can look at LG’s CES 2021 announcement.
In 2019, Sony announced a totally new audio experience called 360 Reality Audio which allowed content creators to map sound sources with positional information. This means that creators could map choruses coming from behind the listener while vocals could be mapped to the front of the listener; which creates an even more immersive audio experience. Sony touts that the experience is akin to being in a music studio or live concert venue. To date, the technology has been implemented in over 4,000 songs from artists such as Alicia Keys, Lil Nas X and Zara Larsson.
At CES this year, Sony is doubling down on 360 Reality Audio by introducing a new piece of software called the 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite. This software makes creating 360 Reality Audio content even easier and comes with plugin software which is compatible with popular digital audio workstations. It will be coming at the end of the month from Audio Futures Inc, a subsidiary of Virtual Sonics, Inc.
Together with new software, Sony is also expanding its device ecosystem with new speakers compatible with 360 Reality Audio technology. Two new speakers, the SRS-RA5000 and SRS-RA3000 have been announced. These speakers are WiFi-enabled and will allow users to experience 360 Reality Audio enabled content by creating an immersive, room-filling experience with Sony’s unique Immersive Audio Enhancement algorithm. They are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
We will be seeing more 360 Reality Audio enabled devices such as headphones, speakers and more in the near future as Sony is also working with other audio manufacturers to bring the technology to the masses. More specifically, the company is looking to license the technology for headphone personalization and even for use in Smartphones and vehicle entertainment systems.
Chromebooks just got a little more interesting with the newly unveiled Acer Chromebook Spin 514. The new Chromebook comes equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen 3000 C-Series Mobile Processors. The processor is complemented with AMD Radeon graphics. This new Spin 514 marries capable performance with stylish design. This paired with the responsiveness and battery life that Chrome OS gives makes the Acer Chromebook Spin a viable option for those looking for a workhorse on the go.
The built-in AMD Radeon™ graphics takes things to the next level by providing better performance whether it be gameplay or media streaming but also opens new doors when it comes to content creation on Chromebooks. That said, these features also empower business users by bolstering the capabilities of Chrome OS when it comes to business applications. The AMD architecture allows larger more complex operations to be done in programs such as Google Sheets.
The Acer Chromebook Spin 514’s convertible design also allows users to interact more naturally with Chrome OS and allows users to write, draw and sketch on the Chromebook. It also has military grade durability on its sleek body. The aluminium laptop comes equipped with either the Ryzen 5 (3500C) or the Ryzen 7 (3700C) complemented with AMD’s RADEON Vega Mobile graphics platform.
Acer Chromebook Spin 514 weighs only 1.55kg and is only 17.35mm thin. However, the cover of the laptop is exceptionally strong and can withstand up to 60kg (132lbs) of downward force or a drop from a height of up to 122cm (48-inches). The Chromebook Spin 514 comes with 14-inch Full HD touch IPS display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection to prevent scratches. Just like any other Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook Spin 514 has support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0. It also comes with 16GB of RAM and up to 256GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
The Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 optimizes the Spin 514 for corporate and business use with features that allow businesses to manage devices at scale. In fact, Chrome OS itself is optimized for businesses looking to migrate to the cloud. The cloud-based OS will allow users to a lot more flexibility when it comes to working on the go. With one-touch enrollment, users are able to quickly enrol devices into the workforce. IT Departments can also easily control updates, configure apps, update policies and more remotely via Chrome OS’s web-based management system.
Pricing & Availability
The Acer Chromebook Spin 514 will be available in three colors: Pure Silver, Steel Gray, and Mist Green. The CP514-1H variant will be available starting February 2021 in North America and March 2021 in EMEA with prices starting at USD$479.99 (MYR1,940.66) and EUR529 (MYR2,622.45) respectively.
The Enterprise version (CP514-1WH) will launch in March 2021 in North America and EMEA for USD$749.99 (MYR3032.31) and EUR 799 (MYR3962.29) respectively.
Remote working is a bigger focus now more than ever. We have been saying that for that past year, to be fair. It still rings true today though. But it is not just about avoiding the rest of the world to be cooped up in your own room. It is also about being flexible at work.
Source: Dell
It is about being able to work in places where you never thought you could work at. It is also about getting your projects worked on-site and visualised in near real-time. That, and it is also about getting your projects worked on in a timely manner. Time is money, after all.
So, you need a work PC that is both powerful, portable, and incredibly powerful. You need one of these, a Dell Precision 3560. Oh, if you are an environmentalist, this might be a delight for you too. As part of their Dell Moonshot Goal by 2030 programme, the Dell Precision 3560’s shell is made with the inclusion of some recycled materials or recyclable materials such as bioplastics and ‘tall oil’ a by-product of the paper making process that usually goes to waste.
Source: Dell
Now, back to the device at hand, back to the Dell Precision 3560. This ultra-portable work beast can be customised to however you need it to work. You can go from HD options, all the way to UHD options. Of course, all of them are in 15.6-inch size factor. Near bezel-less too, to make it tinier for your gear bag.
You can get it to come packing a huge punch with Intel’s 11th Generation Core processors. You can spec it with up to an Intel Core i7-1185G7 quad-core processor that clocks at 1.9GHz and up to 4.8GHz on Turbo. That is gaming class power right there.
Source: Dell
Graphics options range from the humble Intel UHD Graphics integrated GPU or up to an NVIDIA Quadro T500 for maximum work attack mode. Combined with Intel’s Core i7-1185G7, the Dell Precision 3560 makes short work of 3D CAD design apps and allows you to work as seamlessly as a seamless stainless-steel tube; precise and functional.
Of course, powerful GPU and CPU has to be paired with ample temporary memory to prevent bottlenecking. You really do not want your work to bottleneck at the last minute. You can get up to 64GB of DDR4 (32GB x 2) RAM modules in the belly of the beast for god measure. Storage options are practically endless as well to store as many projects as you can to keep yourself mobile. Dell gives you the option to go with up to 2TB in premium Gen4 PCIe NVMe SSD storage.
Source: Dell
Source: Dell
Source: Dell
Source: Dell
Source: Dell
According to Dell, the Dell Precision 3560 will be available globally as soon as 12th January 2021 (this month). There are no mentions of its local (Malaysia) availability just yet. It will be priced at US$ 1,189 (MYR 4,819*) onward. No mentions of local pricing just yet too and available specs in Malaysia. We are keeping our ears close to the ground though, so watch this space.
UPDATE: The Dell Precision 3560 will be coming to Malaysia later this month. Prices to be announced later.
*Approximately based on Conversion Rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.05 as of 11th January 2021 (xe.com)
Dell has focused on optimising their offerings both in hardware and software in recent years. They have introduced a slew of software enhancements that has bolstered their hardware efficiency. This year, they are bringing a new piece of software to up the ante – the Dell Optimizer.
The Dell Optimizer is an AI-based optimization software that will adapt to your working style and respond to the way you work. It combines multiple components to reduce the network and data traffic issues and optimise performance on the applications to provide better, longer run times on a single charge. There are five components to this software: ExpressResponse, IntelligentAudio, ExpressCharge, ExpressConnect, and ExpressSign-In.
TheExpressResponse component of the Dell Optimizer software uses artificial intelligence and Intel’s Adaptix Technology to prioritize applications using stringent uptime requirements for speed and performance. To do so, users simply move the application in question to the Dell Optimizer interface and machine learning will do the rest. The algorithm will study the usage patterns and functions of the user in each program and intelligently enhance the performance. After this, ExpressResponse optimise the launch time of the application so that the user able to switch from one application to another quickly and smoothly.
ExpressResponse works in tandem with ExpressCharge. This feature focuses on getting better battery-life based user habits. ExpressCharge will analyze users working patterns and program usage to improve the battery performance and extend run time. It also serves as a guard to prevent power failure by regulating screen brightness and CPU performance while keeping a lookout for background tasks that drain battery unnecessarily and more. Moreover, it is also helps with when you’re in a pinch and need an urgent top up of power. ExpressCharge can get up to 80% battery life in one hour or up to 35% battery life in 20 minutes.
The ExpressConnect component of Dell Optimizer helps manage network bandwidth for better, more stable connectivity. It helps prioritize bandwidth to conferencing applications when you’re on a call or other network-intensive applications while you’re working to make sure you don’t disconnect. It also ensures that you’re connected to the best network available. ExpressConnect intelligently switches between authenticated networks as Wi-Fi quality drops.
Intelligent Audio enables better audio experiences on Dell systems with Dell Optimizer. It can intelligently reduce the background noise while enhancing the user’s voice and stabilize the volume when users are video conferences. Using the proximity microphone, it picks up and brightens the user’s voice while muting the background noise particularly non-human noises. In addition, Intelligent Audio also reduces the audio distortion for better, louder audio without feedback.
Dell Optimizer also comes with ExpressSign-In which uses the PC’s proximity sensor which is enabled by Intel Context Sensing Technology. The sensor will detect the user’s presence; waking the system and log them in with Window Hello when users are in the detection range. Once the user walks away, the sensor will log out, locking the PC to ensure data security.
On Dell Precision workstations, Dell Optimizer will generate analytics to help users keep track of CPU, storage, memory and graphics needs. This will allow users to proactively address and adapt to their workload needs as they arise.
Pricing & Availability
Dell Optimizer will be rolling out to compatible systems in 2021. It will come pre-installed in the newly announced Dell Latitude 9420 and the Dell Optiplex 7090 Ultra.
Dell first announced the Optiplex in 1993. However, back in 2019, the company changed things up by introducing a brand new form factor. The new form factor brought a new modular design that is no larger than the stand of a Dell monitor; it’s literally the size of a slim brick; no thicker than a laptop. In fact, it allowed users to update and upgrade the Optiplex as they needed to.
This year, Dell is bringing two more models to the Dell Optiplex Ultra line up: the Dell Optiplex 3090 Ultra and Dell Optiplex 7090 Ultra. Both come with up to 64GB of RAM with support for up to 2TB of space with options for self-encrypting drives. They run on the latest Intel Core processors with the 3090 supporting the 11th generation Core i3 and i5 processors as well as the Intel Celeron processor; while the 7090 supports the 11th Generation Intel Core i7, in addition to the Core i3 and i5.
Of course, being built for work, the new Dell Optiplex All-in-Ones come with support for the Dell Technologies Unified Workspace. This allows companies to deploy pre-configured systems customised with their apps and settings directly from Dell to their users. It also allows IT to move from a high touch environment to a more remote one with Dell ProSupport Suite. This also allows IT to deploy fixes proactively before hardware breaks down or to patch critical software vulnerabilities.
The modular Optiplex Ultra has a unique design that is tailored for minimalist setups. It is designed for minimal cables and has support for connectivity over USB, Thunderbolt 4.0 and DisplayPort 1.4. A point to note is that not all Optiplex All-in-Ones come with a monitor. You may need to purchase the monitor separately and they are compatible with most monitors out there. However, they are designed for Dell Optiplex stands which allow you to hide the modular brick in the stand. These stands are available and will work with VESA compatible displays.
Pricing & Availability
The Dell Optiplex 7090 Ultra will be available starting from January 28, 2021 with prices starting at USD$769 (MYR3,088.62*) with a fixed stand. No display is included with the Optiplex 7090 Ultra. It will be available in Malaysia starting sometime in January, 2021; no official pricing for Malaysia has been announced.
The Dell Optiplex 3090 Ultra will be available at the same time with prices starting at USD$659 (MYR2,646.65*) with a fixed stand. Again, no display is included. Malaysia will be getting the Optiplex 3090 Ultra in January 2021. No official pricing is available yet.
*Conversion done with xe.com at 11.45PM (GMT+8); rate (USD$1 = MYR4.019)
Dell’s Latitude series is a go-to for many corporate and even home users. The line up is famed with being some of the most reliable and durable laptops since it first hit the market. In its many iterations, the Latitude series has only become better with Dell Technologies imbuing it with software and hardware that enhance the user experience as well as the ability for companies to deploy and support the hardware remotely.
Intelligently Optimising While You Work
This year is no different, the Dell Latitude series comes with features that make working on-the-go and even moving around the office easier. The Latitudes adapt and learn with built-in artificial intelligence which adapts and learns from user behaviour. Dell’s built-in AI will automatically optimise application performance, battery run time and more while you work on the Latitude minimizing distractions.
Latitude laptops come with ExpressConnect technology which automatically connects to the strongest known access point in range. It will determine the best network by taking into consideration the signal strength, channel congestion, router type and a few other factors. ExpressConnect will not only connect to known networks; it will also direct bandwidth to conferencing applications to make sure you experience a seamless call.
The laptops in the Latitude series also come with ExpressCharge technology which works in tandem with Dell Optimizer software to improve battery performance. ExpressCharge can deliver up to 35% charge with 20 minutes of charger or up to 80% in 40 minutes with ExpressCharge 2.0. Along with ExpressResponse which is powered by Intel’s Adaptix Technolgy, will prioritize your most important apps to launch faster and perform better.
Dell Latitude 9420
Spearheading the Latitude series this year is the Dell Latitude 9420 which comes with a body made of machined aluminium with a hairline brushed finish accented by diamond-cut edges. It comes with the latest Intel vPro processors which boast 66% better performance thanks to the improved thermal architecture. It also has a 16:10 InfinityEdge display which boasts 5% more visual real estate and ComfortView Plus technology for reduced blue light.
The Latitude 9420 comes in both convertible (2in1) and conventional laptop configurations. It’s also smaller and slimmer than ever. However, Dell still manages to fit a 14-inch display in the 9420. It also supports M.2 SSDs with up to 1TB of space. However, if you need encryption, it also comes with up to 256GB of space on a self-encrypting SSD. The Latitude 9420 also comes with an optional Windows Hello compliant fingerprint reader integrated into its power button.
On the battery end, the Latitude 9420 comes with options for a 2-cell, 40Wh or 3-cell, 60Wh Polymer battery. Both support ExpressCharge Boost technology. In addition, you won’t be lugging around a massive power-brick; the Latitude 9240 comes with a small form factor Type-C adapter available in 60W and 65W.
Dell Latitude 7000 series
The 7000 series continues to be the smallest and thinnest of their premium Latitude line up. Coming in 13-inch and 14-inch sizes in both convertible and conventional laptop flavours. It comes in either Carbon Fibre or aluminium builds. Powered for performance with the latest generation of Intel vPro processors.
The Dell Latitude 7520 also comes in a larger 15.6-inch version if you require larger visual real estate. The displays on the 7000 series come with resolutions as high as 4K UHD with touch-enabled options. It supports up to 32GB RAM (soldered) with up to 1TB of M.2 SSD with options for self-encryption topping out at 512GB.
Dell Latitude 5000 series
The Dell Latitude 5000 series joins the rest of the Latitude line up with a new convertible form factor. The largest of the Latitude line up comes with displays supporting up to 4K UHD resolutions. Like the other Latitudes, it comes with the latest Intel vPro processors. However, unlike the others, it isn’t Intel EVO certified. For those worried about your carbon footprint, 21% of the plastics on the Latitude 5000’s cover is bioplastic derived from trees.
The 5000 series Latitudes come equipped with up to 64GB of RAM on the larger models and up to 32GB on the smaller 13.3-inch model. The 13.3-inch model is also the only model in the 5000 series to come in a convertible form factor; all other models come in conventional laptop forms. That said, the 5000 series laptops come with up to 2TB of M.2 SSD memory.
Pricing & Availability
The pricing and availability of the Dell Latitude series is as follows:
Model
Pricing
Availability
Latitude 9420
USD$1,949 (MYR7,833.27)*
Spring 2021 (U.S.) March, 2021 (Malaysia)
Latitude 9520
TBA
Spring 2021 (U.S.) March, 2021 (Malaysia)
Latitude 5000 series
TBA
January 12, 2021 (U.S.) January 2021 (Malaysia) (Latitude 5420)**
Latitude 7000 series
Starting from USD$999 (MYR4,015.10)*
March 30, 2021 (U.S.) January 2021 (Malaysia) (Latitude 7520)**
*Conversion done with xe.com at 11.45PM (GMT+8); rate (USD$1 = MYR4.019) **Dell Technologies will initially be bringing in models mentioned. Other models may be sold at a later date.
