Unifi TV has been busy creating a furore for the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities. This past weekend, the company brought two of the hottest Hong Kong celebrities – Katy Kung and Owen Cheung – to Malaysia for its Lunar New Year kick-off for the new Ruby Plus Pack. This was done in collaboration with TVB.
Anthony SH Law (Head of Marketing & Sales, South East Asia, International Business TVB), Owen Cheung, Katy Kung, Jasmine Lee (Chief Commercial Officer, Consumer, Unifi), Andrew Pinto (Vice President, Brand and Marketing, Unifi), Ho Hock Doong (Head of Content, Unifi) launching the new Ruby Plus package at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. (Source: TM)
The new Ruby Plus pack brings the latest Chinese, Hong Kong and Taiwanese entertainment to complement your high-speed broadband subscription. The offering comes as a part of Unifi’s digital lifestyle offerings in Unifi TV. The pack focuses on oriental entertainment bringing blockbuster series like Forensic Heros (法证先锋), Justice Sung Begins (状王之王) and more to your screens. The new Ruby Plus Pack comes with channels such as CCTV4, Celestial Movies, Now Jelli, and SETI.
TVB, one of the most successful Hong Kong broadcasters, is also making a big splash with the Ruby Plus Pack. Channels such as TVB Jade, TVB News and Xing He will be available to Unifi TV subscribers through the new pack. In addition, Unifi TV subscribers who also subscribe to the pack will be able to access the TVBAnywhere+ app. The app joins apps like Netflix, iQIYI, WeTV and Mango TV that are already available on the Unifi TV Box.
Source: Unifi TV website
Together with the Ruby Plus Pack, Unifi TV subscribers will also be able to enjoy shows from a selection of over 40 premium channels such as tvN Movies, Warner TV, Nickelodeon, AXN and Unifi Sports. Unifi TV subscribers will also be receiving the updated Unifi TV Android TV 12 box worth RM480 for free. The Ruby Plus Pack itself will be priced at RM30 a month. This includes a subscription to TVBAnywhere+.
Netflix is stepping into the physical world with “Netflix House,” a concept blending entertainment, dining, and shopping in themed spaces. The company is upping the ante to create real-world experiences for fans of its shows. They are preparing to launch “Netflix House,” a physical space where entertainment meets reality. Josh Simon, Netflix’s VP of Consumer Products, shared that these spaces won’t just be about watching shows; they are designed as hubs where fans can immerse themselves in their favourite series.
The “Netflix House” is envisioned as an exciting blend of retail, dining, and live experiences. Imagine shopping for show-themed clothing, savouring themed culinary delights, and perhaps even tackling a Squid Game-inspired obstacle course. These spaces will offer ticketed shows inspired by popular series and a variety of dining options, from casual bites to upscale restaurants. The first two Netflix Houses are expected to appear in the US by 2025, with global expansion plans on the horizon.
This move marks Netflix’s venture into permanent physical locations, signalling a significant investment in promoting its content and fostering fan communities. Netflix has previously experimented with temporary stores, such as pop-ups showcasing Stranger Things merchandise. It’s worth noting that the Netflix House concept itself is nothing new for Netflix as the company has had pop-ups in recent years with the same name.
Beyond Netflix House, the company is also exploring the gaming world by introducing games on TV through a new mobile app for game controllers. There are rumours of potential subscription price increases, but these might come with added features. As the streaming industry evolves, Netflix is exploring various avenues to engage its audience in new and exciting ways.
While the specific locations for Netflix House’s 2025 debut remain undisclosed, major US cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco are likely candidates. These locations will offer fans a tangible connection to their beloved Netflix shows.
August has come and gone… and with the strikes happening in the U.S., it can seem like there’s not many things that you can add to your watchlist – whether it’s offline or on one of the growing number of streaming platforms. But, don’t be down in the dumps, we’ve got a rundown of a few shows that should be on your watchlist, if they aren’t already.
If you missed the first season, what have you doing with yourself!? This is arguably one of the best epic high fantasy series on streaming right now. The series is based on a series of 15 books called “The Wheel of Time” and follows a group of young people, an Aes Sedai and her warder as they try to stave off the Dark One.
Source: Amazon Prime Video
Season 2 picks off where Season 1 left off with our main characters scattered to the winds as the end of the world quickly approaches. After the events that happened in Fal Dara, we see Nynaeve and Egwene learning the ways of the Aes Sedai while maneuvering the politics that have seeped into the White Tower. Meanwhile, Moirraine and Lan are in a remote hillside as she learns to navigate the realities of being sealed off from the Source. Her inner turmoil straining the bond between her and Lan. Perrin continues the search for Padan Fain as he seeks revenge for the death Fain has wrought.
While all of this is happening, we are left with the threads from season 1’s finale as new, unknown forces have begun to invade from the ocean. Don’t forget, the Dark One is still out there.
Season 2 kicks off on September 1, 2023 with 3 episodes being released simultaneously on Amazon Prime Video. The season will consist of 8 episodes in total. The series stars Josha Stradowski, Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn as Mat Cauthon, and Ceara Coveney.
Based on the popular manga and anime series, One Piece brings the adventures of Luffy and band of misfit pirates into live action. The series follows Monkey D Luffy as he quests to find the “One Piece” to become king of the pirates. Luffy’s journey begins in the East Blue Sea, driven by a quest to uncover the legendary “One Piece,” the ultimate treasure left behind by the late King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger. His ambition is to claim the title of Pirate King for himself. To achieve this, Luffy seeks to build his own crew, known as the Straw Hat Pirates. Along the way, they are joined by a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique talents and quirks.
Their journey is anything but ordinary as they cross paths with fellow pirates, bounty hunters, criminal organizations, and revolutionaries. They also face off against enigmatic scientists, soldiers of the morally ambiguous World Government, and a host of both allies and adversaries. As they navigate the vast seas, they inch closer to realizing their dreams and ambitions.
“One Piece” is a tale of adventure, friendship, and the pursuit of one’s destiny, offering a rich and immersive world that continues to captivate audiences around the globe. But then again… you already knew this… right
The series stars Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero and Taz Skylar.
Star Wars fans will undoubtedly already be devouring this series. The new series in the Star Wars franchise follows one of the most popular characters to come from its animated Clone Wars series – Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan.
Source: Disney+ Hotstar
Having forsaken the Jedi order after the events of the Clone Wars and slowly become a figurehead in Rebel movement, Ahsoka finds herself looking into an emerging threat after the fall of the Empire.
The series premiered back in August and stars Rosario Dawson as the titular character.
If you enjoy Chinese dramas centred around the theme of a ‘young couple separated when they were younger and falling in love again a decade later,’ then you are in for a treat!
iQIYI’s latest and hottest Chinese drama, Fireworks of My Heart (我的人间烟火), features popular star Yang Yang (杨洋) playing the role of a firefighter, Song Yan, along with Wang Churan (王楚然) as a doctor in the emergency department, Xu Qin.
In the drama, Yang Yang’s character Song Yan is a tough, passionate firefighter that offers disaster relief to people in need. On the other hand, Wang Churan plays the role of emergency doctor Xu Qin, who is burdened by the weight of familial expectations.
Forced apart by opposition from their families, the star-crossed lovers are reunited through their work 10 years later. Song Yan and Xu Qin work together to save the lives of others. It’s during this time they gradually clear the years of misunderstandings between them reigniting what was once lost.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v5FP8JJycg
The drama also features other famous stars like Ian Wang (王彦霖), Wei Daxun (魏大勋), and Yang Chaoyue (杨超越).
You can watch Fireworks of My Heart on iQIYI now for free. A Premium VIP plan for iQIYI gets you ad-free streaming, early access to episodes and more for as low as MYR6.90 with an enticing 40% off the original MYR16.90 price. You can get even more discounts when you pay using Touch N’ Go EWallet.
In addition to Fireworks of My Heart, you’ll also be able to watch iQIYI’s growing library of local, Malaysian content which includes shows like “Sorry Naik Lorry”, “Rampas Cintaku” and its first brand-integrated show with GrabFood – “5-Star Hunter Bersama GrabFood”.
iQIYI continues to push its new approach to entertainment – “advertainment” – with new shows. The latest show comes in partnership with GrabFood Malaysia and covers one of Malaysia’s most passionate subjects – food. “5-Star Hunter Bersama GrabFood” is the first branded reality show that debuted on iQIYI on 2 June 2023.
The new reality show follows Malaysian celebrity Chef Fikree and several local food bloggers as they search for Malaysia’s most authentic cuisine with one catch – the food must come from one of GrabFood Malaysia’s 5-star Restaurants. The show brings the popular format of sharing the story and inspiration behind the food and marries it with a unique approach of highlighting the services and impact of GrabFood on these humble establishments. However, Chef Fikri turns the tables on his celebrity guests as they are challenged to recreate the dish they just tasted. These recreations are then tasted by random guests at the eatery. So, will Chef Fikri come out on top? You’ll just have to tune in to find out.
The variety show is one of a growing number of “advertainment” shows that iQIYI first introduced with its show “Sorry Naik Lorry” not too long ago. The new format integrates advertising and brand awareness seamlessly into shows allowing brands to bring more awareness to services and goods offered. It also allows brands to sidestep the usual ad break and seamlessly integrate themselves front and centre in the show.
Source: iQIYI
“We are thrilled to collaborate once again with GrabFood Malaysia as our esteemed partners for the production of our first-ever local branded variety show. In the realm of entertainment, over-the-top (OTT) platforms like iQIYI have emerged as pivotal catalysts propelling the growth of the local entertainment industry while offering brands a fresh avenue to establish a relatable connection with their audience. This innovative approach allows brands to transcend traditional advertising and instead present their offerings in a captivating and profoundly influential manner that resonates more effectively with the audience.”
“5-Star Hunter Bersama GrabFood” debuted on iQIYI on 2 June 2023 and will feature six fifteen-minute episodes. To celebrate the launch, iQIYI will be giving away GrabFood vouchers worth RM50 to all their viewers. All you have to do to get your share is follow iQIYI on their social media pages and keep an eye out for the giveaway posts and answer a few simple questions about the new show.
As consumers, we’re being inundated with more content than ever in this day and age. We’ve also become even more discerning, particularly in advertising and branding. What’s more, with the rise of over-the-top (OTT) services like iQIYI, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, we’ve become even more selective of where we place our time when it comes to consuming media. Realising these trends, iQIYI has partnered with food delivery provider and app, foodpanda, to marry entertainment and branding with their latest series “Sorry Naik Lori”.
The new series is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between iQIYI and food panda in which the two companies worked from the bottom up to integrate foodpanda’s branding and app in the series. This process started with a collaboration between iQIYI, foodpanda and Universal McCann in developing the scripting and concept for the series. In the end, they produced a quintessentially Malaysian tale that tells the story of a husband and wife as they pursue two different versions of success.
“Sorry Naik Lori” follows the misadventures of Khairul, a young lorry driver living in Penang who is averse to Social Media and his wife, Nadia, who dreams of becoming a successful social media influencer. Nadia stumbles upon success when she becomes “ComelPasembur” when a NikNok video of her at her mother’s Pasembur restaurant goes viral. As her following grows, she is approached by a talent agency and decides to pursue her dreams against her husband’s wishes. This forces Khairul to learn to navigate the world of social media as he tries to keep his marriage alive while Nadia is forced to hide her marriage in pursuit of social media stardom.
The series also integrates a foodpanda rider, Talib, played by Tajul. The character not only plays a role in foodpanda’s brand integration into the series but also helps further the plot and misadventures in the slice-of-life rom-com.
The series is steeped in the Malay culture of Malaysia’s most popular island – Penang. Everything from the mannerisms and dialect used in “Sorry Naik Lori” is infused with typical Penangite flavours. The series stars Nizam Othman as Khairul and Ruhainies as Nadia. They are supported by a notable cast which includes local singer, Tajul, TikToker Ahmad Saffuan, Nafiz Muaz, Sheila Mambo and Asha Zainul.
“Sorry Naik Lori” premieres on 4th November 2022 on iQIYI. iQIYI’s freemium model allows you to enjoy the series for free with ads. However, if you want an uninterrupted viewing experience, you can just sign up for iQIYI’s VIP subscription for as low as MYR11.90.
Netflix’s TUDUM event isn’t anything new for long-time Netflix viewers. The event returned for an exciting, feature-packed event over the weekend. There wasn’t any stone left unturned – from series to movies to games.
However, it wasn’t all just shows making their debut in 2023. Here are some of the English language series you’ll be able to binge before 2022 ends or during the holidays during some much-needed R&R.
Umbrella Academy (Seasons 1 – 3) – Already Available
I know, I know – it’s a little late for Umbrella Academy to make this list. But Netflix did show off a new blooper reel during TUDUM which you have to see.
The first three seasons of the adventures of the Hargreeves siblings are available for you to catch up on before the fourth and final season debuts. If you haven’t met Vanya, I mean Viktor, Diego, Klaus, Luther, Allison, and Five – what are you waiting for? Follow the story as they discover the secret behind their powers and their dysfunctional family.
Entergalactic (Debuts September 30, 2022)
Entergalatic is a special television event that follows Jabari, an artist on the brink of success. Follow his journey as he learns where love fits into his life while he chases his big break.
https://youtu.be/c_pHCqZkXvY
The animated feature showcases amazing animation and a love story that spans more than just the here and now. It also features music from Kid Cudi and debuts on the same day as his latest album – Entergalactic – drops. Characters are voiced by Scott Mescudi (Jabari), Jessica Williams (Meadow), Timothée Chalamet (Jimmy), Vanessa Hudgens (Karina), Jaden Smith (Jordan) and more.
Coming to Netflix in October 2022
The Watcher (Debuts October 13, 2022)
The Watcher follows a couple who purchase their dream home in the idyllic suburb of Westfield in New Jersey. Follow Dean and Nora Brannock as they discover that all is not as it seems in Westfield as their “unique” neighbours give them an icy welcome. Things go from awkward and irritating to a nightmare as the couple start receiving disturbing letters from “The Watcher”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HDkw100sXQ
The series is based on the true story of the infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey. The series is spearheaded by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan who have worked on hit series like Ratchet, Glee and Netflix’s latest hit Dahmer. Bobby Cannavale and Naomi Watts play Dean and Nora.
Coming to Netflix in November 2022
Manifest Season 4 Part1 (Debuts November 4, 2022)
Manifest is probably one of the most well-known series on the list. The series was initially cancelled after a successful 3-season run on NBC. Netflix swooped in giving the series a final fourth season. The fourth season continues the story of the mysterious flight 828 that disappeared en route to New York from Jamaica only to reappear five years later.
Season 4 will take off where Season 3 ended with Cal reappearing after mysteriously vanishing when he touched the tail fin of Flight 828. But all is not as it once was as he’s returned older than he was. The series will continue to follow our heroes – Michaela, Ben, Cal, Zeke, and Saanvi – who race to unravel the mystery surrounding their reappearance before time runs out. The series stars Josh Dallas, Melissa Roxburgh, Matt Long and J.R. Ramirez.
The Crown Season 5 (Debuts November 9, 2022)
Netflix’s critically acclaimed historical drama of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign continues into its 5th and penultimate season this November. Having already covered the early part of her reign in Season 1, her wedding, and her relationship with Margaret Thatcher and Lady Diana Spencer, the new season of The Crown will continue in chronological order.
The 10-episode fifth season will trace Her Majesty through the late 90s and early 2000s. The season also marks the second wholesale recasting of the ensemble. Imelda Staunton leads a brand new ensemble with the talents of Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Jonny Lee Miller, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki.
Dead to Me (Debuts November 17, 2022)
After many delays, the third and final season of Netflix’s Emmy Award-nominated dark comedy, Dead to Me will finally debut on November 17. Follow unlikely friends – Jen and Judy – as they continue to get into awkward situations and hijinx that are mind-numbingly hilarious.
The third season picks up where season 2 left off with our dynamic duo injured and abandoned after their fateful car crash. Find out what happens as they will undoubtedly get into more hijinx and drama. Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini reprise their roles in the final season.
1899 (Debuts November 17, 2022)
1899 is a brand new German series coming to Netflix on November 17, 2022. The period mystery-horror follows a group of European migrants as they leave London on a steamship in the hopes of starting new lives in New York. However, things take a turn when they encounter another migrant ship adrift in the open sea. The series stars Emily Beecham, Aneurin Barnard, Andreas Pietschmann and Miguel Bernardeau.
Wednesday (Debuts November 23, 2022)
The Addams family is coming back to the silver screen with a brand new series which follows the daughter of the family – Wednesday Addams.
The new Netflix Horror comedy will follow Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy. The supernatural mystery comedy will see Wednesday and some familiar characters as she learns to master her psychic powers, stop a mysterious killing spree of town citizens and unravel a supernatural mystery that has her family in the centre of it all. The series stars Jenna Ortega, Luis Guzman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Coming to Netflix in December 2022
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio ( Debuts December 9 2022)
Gullermo Del Toro spearheads a stop motion retelling of the popular tale of Pinnochio, a wooden puppet to comes to life in 1930s Italy.
The new animated feature, Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinnochio, will follow Pinnochio as he becomes a boy and discovers the meaning of life. Pinnochio turns out to be one of the worst behaved boys playing pranks and causing mischief. Can he live up to his father’s expectations?
The animated feature stars Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley and Christoph Waltz.
Emily in Paris Season 3 (Debuts 21 December 2022)
Emily Cooper is back for a third season in Paris! After the events of season 2, Emily finds herself in between a rock and a hard place both romantically and professionally.
Continue to follow the misadventures of Emily in Paris as she continues to navigate the highs and lows of her life as a Marketing Executive. Lily Collins, Lucas Bravo, Ashley Park, and Lucien Laviscount all reprise their roles in the new season.
The Witcher: Blood Origin (Debuts December 25, 2022)
Set 1200 years before the events of The Witcher, Blood Origin follows a group of outcasts that fight to preserve what was once taken from them.
The quest sees the creation of the first Witcher as conflict arises and threatens their worlds. The events of Blood Origin will unravel the untold tales which took place before the “conjunction of spheres”. The series stars Michelle Yeoh, Jacob Collins-Levy, Sophia Brown and Laurence O’Fuarain.
Spotify is giving its users more flexibility with the introduction of new Premium Mini subscription plans. The new plans will allow users to subscribe to Spotify Premium in bite sized pieces ranging from daily to weekly. Users will now be able to subscribe from MYR1 a day to gain access to ad-free streaming on the platform.
In addition to being ad-free, users on these Mini plans will also be able to access Spotify’s many other features. These will, however, be in a more limited manner. Users on the Premium Mini plans will be able to use Spotify to access the full library of songs and podcasts available on the platform and will be able to skip tracks freely. You will also be able able to share playlists and tune in to the same podcast with up to five friends using the Group Sessions feature. However, when it comes to downloading songs for offline playback, users on the Spotify Premium Mini plans will be limited to 30 tracks.
Source: Spotify
Subscribing to the new Spotify Premium Mini plans is pretty simple. All you have to do is click the “Get Mini” option in the subscriptions option. Spotify is also introducing more payment options for Malaysians. Users in Malaysia can now pay using multiple methods including through their mobile bill or even using one of the many eWallets available; absolutely no credit card is needed. Keep in mind that the Premium Mini plans are prepaid plans. This means that you will need to pay upfront for your daily and weekly subscriptions.
Spotify Premium Mini will be available in two options – daily and weekly. You will be able to subscribe to the Premium Mini Daily for MYR1 a day while the weekly option is priced at MYR3.90 a week. The same subscription plans are also available in Thailand, India and Indonesia. Prices start at THB7, INR7 and INR2,500 respectively.
The time has come to head to Rivia! Fans of the popular series – The Witcher – are in for a treat come July 10, 2021 as the first ever WitcherCon is happening! The conference will bring together the cinematic and game universes of The Witcher in a never before seen, multi-format event.
Source: Netflix
The day-long event kicks off first in the wee hours of 10th July in Malaysia at 1 am – that’s 7 pm CEST on 9th July 2021 in Europe and 10 am PST in the U.S. – on Twitch and YouTube. There will be a second stream happening at 9 am on 10th July in Malaysia – 3 am CEST on 10 July in Europe and 6 pm on 10th July in the U.S. – on the same platforms. According to Netflix, there will be exclusive announcements on each stream!
The event will be hosted by popular Twitch and YouTube personality, Julia Hardy. Hardy is arguably most well known for her Game to Train fitness programme where you can get fit around routines from popular game characters. She’s also hosted Runefest and Minecon previously. It will be giving fans an exclusive look at never-before-seen footage and insights from the production of the Witcher Universe.
WitcherCon will be featuring a series of panels and features with the stars and creators from both the popular game series and the hit Netflix series – The Witcher. Everything from GWENT, the Witcher’s card game to the many formats the Witcher’s story will be told in will be covered in the event. Fans of the series will get their burning questions about Season 2 of The Witcher answered by showrunners and stars of the series. CD Projekt Red will also be taking fans behind the scenes and into the future of The Witcher.
There will also be a special sitdown with Henry Cavill where he will delve into the nitty-gritty of fantasy, destiny and the wider Witcher Universe. Netflix has teased that the White Wolf may have a few surprises during his sitdown.
Source: Netflix
You’ll be able to tune in to WitcherCon on both YouTube and Twitch come 10th July! Details on panels, announcements and more can also be gotten from the official WitcherCon website.
This episode is brought to you by Acer. Pre-order your Acer Nitro 5 gaming notebook with AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU from Acer from the 10th May 2021 onward!
In this episode of Tech & Tonic, we discuss the growing number of streaming services. Disney+ Hotstar is finally making its way into Malaysia after a long wait. Disney+ Hotstar joins Malaysia’s long list of streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Go, Astro Go, iflix, and a few others.
Is having more streaming services a good thing though? Does it still make sense for you to pay for Cable TV services like Astro in Malaysia, especially with certain channels being removed with the introduction of Disney+ Hotstar? Do we need more streaming platforms at this time? Would Disney+ be better than the rest of the platforms?
We discuss this and more in the Tech & Tonic Podcast.
