21 – 27 October Fuel Price: All Prices Unchanged

Good news folks: no changes to fuel prices this coming week after RON 97 had a dramatic price increase last week, where it went up by a
whopping 10 sen per litre
. Naturally, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.87 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 21 to 27 October. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


You Can Now Design Your Own Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Samsung just introduced its brand new “Bespoke” experience for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition. As its name suggests, it lets you customise your very own
Z Flip 3
 with different colour combinations, though this comes at a premium.

You can customise three parts of the Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition with different colours through Bespoke Studio on Samsung.com: the front, back, and the frame of the foldable phone. The former two have five colour options (Blue, Yellow, Pink, White, and Black) while the frame is limited to Black or Silver.

“The result is a palette of 49 possible color combinations for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition,” as Samsung puts it. Interestingly, if you feel like it, you can even swap out the colours of the front or back panel of this special edition foldable phone down the road. This is done through the Bespoke Upgrade Care service.

As mentioned, this Bespoke service does come at a premium. In the US, for example, the Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition retails from $1,099 (about RM4,585); that’s $100 more than the starting price of the regular model. Of course, this may be worth it for some folks who want to customise their own Z Flip 3 – even if using skins can achieve similar results.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition will first be available in US, Korea, UK, Germany, France, Canada, and Australia; it’s worth noting that this Bespoke service is also offered for the
Galaxy Watch 4
. Anyway, it remains to be seen if Bespoke Studio will also be made available in Malaysia.


God of War Coming to PC 15 January 2022 for RM209

It’s been rumoured for quite some time, and it’s now official: God of War is indeed coming to PC. It’s set to arrive on
Steam
 and the
Epic Games Store
 next year on 15 January 2022, bringing with it a slew of upgrades.

This was revealed by PlayStation itself in a blog post. According to the writeup, God of War on PC will feature 4K resolution (naturally) along with unlocked frame rates. If you’ve got a 21:9 ultrawide monitor, good news: the PC version of God of War will support this wide, cinematic aspect ratio.

Of course, controller support for God of War on PC will also be offered. “We will support DualShock 4 and DualSense wireless controllers in addition to a wide range of other gamepads,” as PlayStation puts it. If you’re more comfortable with keyboard and mouse, you will be able to customise the key bindings.

You can now pre-order the PC version of God of War on
Steam
 or the
Epic Games Store
 for RM209. The game will go live on 15 January 2022 for us here in Malaysia.


Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Gets Improved Fall Detection & New Watchfaces

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is set to receive an update starting today, which will add a number of new features. These include improved Fall Detection, new watchfaces, and even a new gesture control.

Let’s start with the new watchfaces for the Galaxy Watch 4. There are four of them: Info Brick (it displays specific stats that you have selected), Basic Dashboard, Weather Center, and Live Wallpaper. Naturally, these watchfaces are also customisable.

Aside from that, there’s a new “knock knock” gesture for the Galaxy Watch 4 too, which can be set to open a specific app or feature. As for the improved Fall Detection, it will be able to detect a fall even if you’re standing still now. Previously, it can only detect if you had fallen down during an exercise.

This new update for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 will start rolling out to the Bluetooth-only version first starting today; the LTE model will get the update “shortly thereafter.” If you’d like to learn more about the Watch 4, check out our review of the smartwatch
right here
.


Honda City Hatchback Finally Coming to Malaysia

As promised
, Honda Malaysia is bringing in a brand new model to the Malaysian market: enter the Honda City Hatchback. As its name suggests, this is essentially the hatchback version of the
fifth-generation City sedan
 currently sold in Malaysia, and the RS trim of the B-segment hatchback will likely make its debut here too.

Honda Malaysia posted a teaser of the City Hatchback in full RS e:HEV trim on its Facebook page, which should have the same hybrid powertrain as the City sedan counterpart
of the same variant
. The caption also reads “Move aside. Y? Because This. Is. It” – the Y is likely a reference to another B-segment hatchback, the
Toyota Yaris
.

Beyond this cheeky teaser, no other details on the City hatchback have been revealed, though we reckon it will match most of the sedan version’s equipment. This RS e:HEV model, for one – which outputs 109PS and 253Nm of torque out of an electric motor – should come with Honda Sensing’s suite of driver assistance safety systems as well.

Aside from the RS e:HEV trim of the City Hatchback, the Malaysian market will likely get the petrol models too. They should feature the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine found in the City sedan that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque. Naturally, the mill is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels.

Now that Honda Malaysia has started teasing the Honda City Hatchback, there’s a good chance the B-segment model will be introduced here very, very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on this.


Realme GT Neo 2 With Snapdragon 870 Coming to Malaysia Soon

Realme is set to launch a rather intriguing phone in Malaysia soon, the Realme GT Neo 2. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a 120Hz screen, it’s certainly a device with reasonably capable hardware.

After all, the Snapdragon 870 is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm’s flagship chipset last year. Basically, you can expect to get a good level of performance out of the GT Neo 2. Paired with the phone’s 120Hz 6.62-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen – along with a 600Hz touch sampling rate – you can game quite well with it.

Other specifications of the GT Neo 2 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.

Unfortunately, Realme did not reveal exactly when the GT Neo 2 will be launched here in Malaysia. Given that the company has started teasing the phone, we reckon it will be made available locally soon enough, alongside the Realme Pad tablet.


Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid in Malaysia – Registration of Interest Now Open

It’s no secret that UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is planning to launch the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid here in Malaysia. While the company still hasn’t revealed any date for the local launch of the C-segment SUV, you can now
register your interest for the upcoming model
.

The teaser for the Corolla Cross Hybrid leaves little to the imagination; the blue accent on the bottom of the headlight is a clear reference to the hybrid version of the SUV. You can take a look for yourself with an image of the model in question below alongside the teaser.

Of course, what sets the Corolla Cross Hybrid apart from the standard model is its hybrid powertrain. The electric motor – which outputs 72PS and 163Nm of torque – is paired with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine that does 98PS and 142Nm of torque. This makes for a combined system output of 122PS, with drive sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.

At the moment, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is only said to be coming soon to Malaysia. But given that the registration of interest for the SUV is already open, we reckon its local launch is happening very soon. If you’re interested in the Corolla Cross Hybrid, you can register your interest for the hybrid SUV
right here
.


Realme’s Affordable Tablet Arriving in Malaysia Soon

Aside from the
GT Neo 2
, Realme is also set to launch its first-ever tablet – the aptly named Realme Pad – here in Malaysia. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly Android tablet, the Realme Pad may pique your interest.

So just how affordable is the Realme Pad? Well, in India, this tablet retails from only 13,999 Indian rupee, which comes up to about RM775. For that kind of money, you’re getting a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen and a MediaTek Helio G80 chip – reasonably good hardware for the money.

Other specifications of the Realme Pad include 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two storage options (32GB or 64GB), a microSD card slot, an 8MP rear camera, another 8MP shooter on the front for selfies, a 7,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a 6.9mm thin chassis.

No word yet on exactly when the Realme Pad will be launched here in Malaysia, though there’s a good chance it is happening very soon, given that the company is teasing the tablet already alongside the GT Neo 2.


Razer Pro Click Mini Leaks Ahead of Launch – $80 Price Tag

Back in June earlier this year,
we spotted the Razer Pro Click Mini
 in SIRIM’s database, suggesting that Razer is working on a smaller, more compact version of the Pro Click productivity-focused mouse. Well, someone
already got their hands on the new mouse
 ahead of launch, revealing its price tag too.

These images of the (unannounced) Pro Click Mini were shared by Reddit user
heyitzrj
. As the packaging shows, the wireless ambidextrous mouse carries a $80 price tag, which comes up to about RM330. This puts it in the same price range as the
Logitech MX Anywhere 3
.

Image source:
heyitzrj
The Razer Pro Click Mini (left) next to the Logitech MX Anywhere 3

According to heyitzrj, the manual of the Pro Click Mini states that it has a 12,000 DPI 5G sensor, along with a mouse wheel that can alternate between free spin and tactile feedback. The wireless mouse also measures 0.224lbs; that’s about 100g. Reasonably lightweight for gaming purposes.

We also get a shot of the Pro Click Mini’s internals, revealing a slot for the 2.4GHz dongle – the mouse also works via Bluetooth, if you’re wondering. It appears to have rubberised sides too, just like the bigger Pro Click.

At the moment, there’s still no official word on the existence of the Razer Pro Click Mini, though a
Razer representative
 did say it is a refined Atheris, before quickly mentioning “if it does exist.” Nonetheless, we’ll keep an eye out for any official confirmation from Razer.


Sony Xperia 10 III Receives RM300 Discount Until 31 October 2021

Aside from the flagship
Xperia 1 III
, Sony Malaysia is also offering a pretty sizeable discount for its more budget-friendly offering, the Sony Xperia 10 III. From now until 31 October 2021, you can get the mid-range smartphone
with a RM300 discount
.

This brings down the price of the Xperia 10 III to RM1,699. While this is still quite a bit more costly than a typical mid-ranger, you do get a number of unique features, such as a tall, narrow 21:9 screen and water resistance.

For that kind of money, the Xperia 10 III features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 chipset, which should be faster and more power-efficient
than its predecessor
’s Snapdragon 665 chipset. After all, it’s built on an 8nm process instead of the Snapdragon 665’s 11nm process, which should translate to better battery life.

Other specifications of the Xperia 10 III include a compact 6-inch 2520 x 1080 OLED screen, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto + 8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, a generous 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.

If you’re keen to get the Sony Xperia 10 III for only RM1,699, you can do so over at
Sony Malaysia’s online store
. The discount is valid until 31 October 2021.


Mode Eighty (2021) Custom Keyboard Retails From $459 – Configurator Now Live

Mode just revealed the starting price of its premium
Mode Eighty (2021)
 custom keyboard. Set to retail from $459 (about RM1,905), the new Eighty is more affordable than the previous model. On top of that, the
configurator for the TKL keyboard
 is now live too, so you can customise your very own Eighty before the pre-orders start on 19 November.

The reason why the Eighty is slightly more affordable now is due to its new isolated top mount system, which doesn’t require the PORON base. If you want a more muted, stiffer typing experience, you’ll need to get that base (for the stack mount system) as a $20 add-on, increasing the price of this TKL keyboard to $479 (about RM1,990).

Compared to the
Mode SixtyFive
, the Eighty’s configurator doesn’t have quite as many options, though you do have a fair number of colour options. You can customise the colour of the top and bottom case, a hotswap or solderable PCB, as well as plate material.

As mentioned, the Mode Eighty will be available for pre-order next month on 19 November 2021 with a $459 starting price. Fulfilment for the Eighty will begin as early as March 2022, so that’s only a four-month lead time –
a very short waiting time in this hobby
.


Tom Holland Is Nathan Drake in New Uncharted Movie Trailer – Coming 18 February 2022

The live-action Uncharted movie is finally happening. Set to be released on 18 February 2022 next year, Sony released the first official trailer of the upcoming movie, showing Tom Holland – of Spider-Man fame – as Nathan Drake himself, the protagonist of the franchise.

Compared to the Uncharted franchise many gamers are familiar with, this movie features a much younger Nathan before he is a full-fledged treasure hunter. He is also joined by a younger Sully played by Mark Wahlberg, who was originally set to play Nathan back when talks of a live-action Uncharted movie started a decade ago.

Another big name in the Uncharted movie is Antonio Banderas, who looks to be the main antagonist. Chloe Frazer – who made her first in-game appearance in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – will be featured in the movie too, played by Sophia Ali.

Uncharted will hit theaters next year on 18 February 2022. In the meantime, you can take a look at what the movie has to offer in the trailer above – it certainly shows some key elements of Uncharted, such as the plane scene.


Staebies Now in Stock on Salvun

If you didn’t manage to get the
Staebies
 from Keyboard Treehouse, good news: the excellent screw-in stabilisers are now available from Salvun. If you’re located in Europe, this is the best vendor to get the Staebies from.

However, because Salvun is based in Europe, shipping will be quite expensive if you’re outside of the region. For reference, it costs €37.47 (about RM180) to get the Staebies shipped to Malaysia from Salvun, though you can always purchase several sets to offset the high shipping cost.

Aside from that, Salvun only has the all-black nylon Staebies in stock; the clear polycarbonate version is not offered. But beyond that, the Staebies, which are listed at €19.83 a set (about RM95) from Salvun, cost about the same as getting them from Keyboard Treehouse.

If you don’t want to miss out on the Staebies again, you can get it from Salvun
right here
. But if you can wait, do note that
Cannon Keys
 and
Ashkeebs
 – which are based in the US and Canada respectively – will also carry the Staebies very soon.

Update:
 Cannon Keys now have the
Staebies in stock
!


Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars May Be Extended to 2022

Only a couple of months left before 2021 is over, which will also signal the end of the
sales tax exemption
 for locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) cars in Malaysia. Well, you may not have to rush out to get your brand new car before the year ends: the exemption period may be extended until 2022.

According to a report by
Berita Harian
, the extension of the sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars could be announced during Budget 2022 next week on 29 October. According to Group Chief Economist of RHB Bank, Sailesh K. Jha, the extension is likely in light of disappointing sales for 2021 brought on by extended COVID-19 lockdowns.

If there is an extension, it will likely be prolonged by another six months. After all, this would line up with previous extensions. Ever since the sales tax exemption was first introduced in June 2020, it has been extended twice already to
31 December 2021
.

We’ll find out if the government decides to extend the sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars next Friday on 29 October 2021 during Budget 2022. If it does get extended, we reckon many car buyers – especially those who are waiting to get the extremely popular
Proton X50
 and
Perodua Ativa
 – will be thrilled.


Fan of AMD? You Can Bid for the Number Plate on 25 October

If you’re a fan of AMD – the semiconductor company – and you want those three letters on your car plate, you can do just that next week. JPJ will be opening the AMD series for bidding this coming Monday on 25 October.

In order to place your bid for an AMD plate, you will need to register for an account with JPJeBid
on the website
. Alternatively, you can also register through the mobile app on the
Apple App Store
 or
Google Play Store
.

Once the AMD series is opened this Monday on 25 October, you can start placing your bid. Do note that there are minimum bid amounts depending on the number that you want to get. AMD 1, for example, starts at a steep RM20,000 – it is considered a “golden number.”

If course, if you want a “regular number” without any special significance, the minimum bid amount is RM300; the standard price for a plate number. Do note that if your bid is successful, you will have 12 months to register the plate number you’ve won to a vehicle.

JPJ will open bidding for the AMD series this coming Monday on 25 October; the bidding will close on 29 October at 10PM. The bidding results will be released the following day on 30 October.


Affordable Realme Pad Tablet Arriving in Malaysia 3 November

Realme just revealed the Malaysian launch date for its first-ever tablet, the
Realme Pad
. If you’re looking for an affordable Android tablet, you may want to check it out once the device arrives here next week on 3 November.

So just how affordable is the Realme Pad? Well, in India, this tablet retails from only 13,999 Indian rupee, which comes up to about RM775. For that kind of money, you’re getting a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen and a MediaTek Helio G80 chip – reasonably good hardware for the money.

Other specifications of the Realme Pad include 3GB or 4GB of RAM, two storage options (32GB or 64GB), a microSD card slot, an 8MP rear camera, another 8MP shooter on the front for selfies, a 7,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a 6.9mm thin chassis.

The Realme Pad will be launched here in Malaysia next week on 3 November; we’ll find out then exactly how much it costs. It’s worth noting that the
Realme GT Neo 2
 will also be introduced locally at the same time.


Realme GT Neo 2 Also Coming to Malaysia 3 November

Aside from the
budget-friendly Realme Pad
, the Chinese company will also introduce the
Realme GT Neo 2
 in Malaysia next week. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a 120Hz screen, it’s a reasonably capable smartphone.

After all, the Snapdragon 870 is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm’s flagship chipset last year – you can expect to get a good level of performance out of the GT Neo 2. Paired with the phone’s 120Hz 6.62-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen, along with a 600Hz touch sampling rate, it’s quite a good device for avid mobile gamers.

Other specifications of the GT Neo 2 include 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.

The Realme GT Neo 2 – along with the Realme Pad tablet – will be launched in Malaysia next week on 3 November. We’ll find out then just how much the phone will retail at for the local market.


Custom Keyboard – Gasket Mounting Is Overrated (Sometimes)

One of the biggest buzzwords in the custom keyboard hobby in recent times is “gasket mounting.” This year alone, we’ve seen plenty of keyboards using this mounting style; even bigger brands like
Keychron
 and
Glorious
 are doing the same thing.

But not all gasket-mounted keyboards are created equal. While there are some
excellent
 keyboards that use this mounting system very effectively – such as the
Jelly Epoch
 and
ai03 Vega
, to name a couple – there are also a fair number of gasket-mounted keyboards that are just not very good.

In short, just because a keyboard uses a gasket mounting system doesn’t automatically make it good. There are a number of other aspects to consider, and there are instances where a gasket mounting system is…well, overrated.

Implementation Matters

There are many ways to implement a gasket mounting system in a keyboard. Take the Jelly Epoch: instead of using strips of gaskets, it uses thicker, “jelly-like” gaskets that are (essentially) just sleeved to the plate itself instead of having to use adhesives. This makes for a much, much easier installation process.

These “jelly gaskets” are also very effective, which gives the Jelly Epoch a soft, flexible typing experience. Basically, the defining characteristic of a gasket-mounted keyboard…most of the time. The thing is, there are also keyboards with a gasket mounting system that provides a stiff, firm typing experience.

One such keyboard is the Glorious GMMK Pro. While it is
technically
 a gasket-mounted keyboard, the gaskets are compressed so much in the case that there’s barely any space for the plate to flex. The result? A much firmer typing experience than one would expect from a gasket mounting system.

Of course, both firm and soft typing experiences can be appealing to different folks, but it’s important to take into consideration
how
 the gasket mounting system is implemented by specific keyboards. This is so that you’ll really know what to expect out of a particular keyboard.

The last thing you’d want – after
waiting for months
, or even up to a year – is receiving a keyboard that is not up to your expectations.

Sound Profile Can Differ Greatly

How a keyboard sounds is a
huge draw in this hobby
, which is actually one of the reasons why gasket-mounted keyboards are so popular. Compared to, say, a top mount system, a gasket-mounted keyboard offers a cleaner sound profile as the gaskets are absorbing the impact of every key press – many folks (myself included) like this characteristic.

But as mentioned, different gasket-mounted keyboards have different implementations of the mounting style, not to mention other unique features of a particular board. Because of this, a keyboard with a gasket mounting system…is not guaranteed to have a pleasant sound profile.

Take the
Keychron Q1
. On paper, it definitely qualifies as a gasket-mounted keyboard, but it doesn’t exactly have a pleasant sound profile. Out of the box, every key press generates an audible case ping. The Q1’s gaskets are too soft, so they’re not able to absorb these undesirable sound qualities.

Granted, there are plenty of mods that can improve the sound quality of the Q1, but that is besides the point. A gasket-mounted keyboard is not guaranteed to have a fantastic sound signature. If you’re comparing a gasket-mounted keyboard with another mounting style – such as a top mount system – know that the former is not always the best.

And that brings us to the next point..

Other Mounting Styles Can Be Better

Don’t be fooled by the gasket mounting buzzword: there’s so much more to a keyboard than mounting style alone. Want a keyboard with a particular sound profile? Then look at the keyboard as a whole; there are
many aspects that affect sound profile
.

These include the case material of the keyboard, what kind of sound deadening material is used, the plate material, switches, and even the keycaps. Don’t just limit yourself to gasket-mounted keyboards because you want a clean, higher-pitched sound profile, as other mounting styles can offer the same thing too.

What about typing feel? Surely most gasket-mounted keyboards can offer a soft typing experience? Well, yes and no. It really depends on
how
 the gasket mounting system is implemented. Plus, if you don’t mind using a solderable PCB, custom keyboards that support half plates can offer a soft typing experience as well.

The Salvation’s unique leaf spring mounting system

The
Salvation
, a custom keyboard by Wilba.tech and Salvun – two well-known individuals in the enthusiast keyboard scene – is a good example of why you shouldn’t judge a keyboard based on its mounting style. Despite the fact that it’s a tray-mounted keyboard, the Salvation also has a unique leaf spring mounting system.

As a result, this keyboard offers a soft, comfortable typing experience with a clean, “poppy” sound signature. It’s no exaggeration to say that the Salvation is an innovative product: it’s a tray-mounted keyboard – which is usually considered to be a “budget” mounting solution – with the characteristics of a gasket-mounted keyboard.

So the next time you see an interest check or group buy for a custom keyboard, don’t just judge it purely by its mounting system. Just like any other mounting styles, there are good and bad “gasket-mounted” keyboards, so look beyond the buzzword and really evaluate the board as a whole.

Who knows, once we get beyond the gasket mounting hype, perhaps the custom keyboard community will come up with an innovative mounting system that’s just as unique as the Salvation.


The Sony Xperia Pro-I Is a $1,800 Smartphone/Camera With the RX100 VII’s Sensor

Sony just unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Sony Xperia Pro-I. What makes this phone particularly interesting is its 12MP primary camera: packed with a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor, it is based on the sensor found in Sony’s well-loved RX100 VII camera.

Because of this, Sony is not just positioning the Xperia Pro-I as a smartphone: it’s also touted as “an exciting addition to Sony’s camera line-up” by the company. Anyway, the phone/camera’s 12MP primary sensor promises “professional imaging quality,” though we’ll have to put this to the test to find out for ourselves.

Beyond the new 12MP sensor, the Xperia Pro-I is…basically based on the
Xperia 1 III
, though it doesn’t get the variable telephoto lens. Instead, it features a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.

Other specifications of the Xperia Pro-I include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.

Given the sophisticated primary camera of the Sony Xperia Pro-I, it carries a hefty price tag too: in the US, this flagship phone retails at a steep $1,800 (about RM7,465). Sony Malaysia confirmed that the Xperia Pro-I will be launched here soon, and you can register your interest for the flagship phone
right here
.


Mihoyo’s Hoyo Fest Coming to Malaysia With myBurgerLab – Exclusive Merchandise Offered

If you’re a fan of
Genshin Impact
, Honkai Impact 3, or Tears of Themis, you may be interested in Mihoyo’s Hoyo Fest, which is coming to Malaysia via myBurgerLab. Throughout November and December, you can get exclusive merchandise from these three titles through myBurgerLab, among other things.

Hoyo Fest is divided into three parts: Honkai Impact 3 is up first (5 – 16 November), followed by Tears of Themis (19 – 30 November) and Genshin Impact (3 – 14 December). For each period, myBurgerLab will offer special set menu themed after the respective games, along with exclusive merchandise.

Now, before you head to your nearest myBurgerLab, do note that only the MyTown branch in KL is involved with Hoyo Fest. On top of that, you’re also required to make a reservation with myBurgerLab for dine-in (limited to 45 minutes), delivery, or self-pickup through its
mobile app
.

You can start reserving your spots with myBurgerLab from tomorrow (27 October) onwards for Honkai Impact 3 special menu and exclusive merchandise. Of course, you don’t have to dine-in to purchase said merchandise; you can get them with your takeaways too.

“For the health and safety of guests, we encourage ordering takeouts and deliveries,” Mihoyo said in a press release. With this in mind, only takeaways and deliveries will come with a printed tote bag and a cup sleeve, so there’s extra incentive to not dine-in, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

More details on Hoyo Fest in Malaysia can be found
here
.


Video: Staebies Full Sound Test – No Holee Mod Needed!

Here it is: our full sound test of the
Staebies
. It’s been about a week since I’ve lubed these excellent screw-in stabilisers, and they have been performing great! If you’re tired of holee modding your stabilisers, you’ll absolutely love the Staebies.

As you can hear in the video above, the Staebies sound really, really good with just some lube; I didn’t even need to holee mod them. For the housing, I used Krytox 205g0, while the wires were coated with XHT-BDZ. Yes, this lube is not too thick for the Staebies despite their tight tolerances.

We have a thorough lubing guide of the Staebies
right here
. Hopefully, these screw-in stabilisers will be restocked soon – they have been
flying off

the shelves
.


Sony Xperia Pro-I Coming to Malaysia December 2021

Sony Malaysia just confirmed that its latest flagship smartphone, the
Sony Xperia Pro-I
, will be arriving here in Malaysia sometime in December 2021. If you want a high-end phone with very promising camera performance, the Xperia Pro-I may tickle your fancy.

Sony is not just positioning the Xperia Pro-I as a smartphone: it’s also touted as “an exciting addition to Sony’s camera line-up” by the Japanese company, given that its 12MP primary camera is packed with a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor. This is similar to the sensor found in Sony’s well-loved RX100 VII camera.

Beyond the impressive 12MP primary shooter, the Xperia Pro-I is…basically based on the
Xperia 1 III
, though it doesn’t get the variable telephoto lens. Instead, it features a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length and a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter.

Other specifications of the Xperia Pro-I include a sharp and vibrant 120Hz 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.

The Sony Xperia Pro-I is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime in December 2021. Once the flagship phone/camera goes on sale here, expect it to cost a premium. After all, it retails at a steep $1,800 (about RM7,470) in the US.


Sony Xperia Pro-I – Will the Camera-First Approach Work?

Sony has always focused quite a bit on the camera performance of its flagship smartphones, but the new
Sony Xperia Pro-I
 takes it to a whole new level. After all, the Japanese company is not just positioning this as a smartphone: it’s also touted as “an exciting addition to Sony’s camera line-up.”

This is because the Xperia Pro-I features a 1.0-type Exmor RS sensor for its 12MP primary rear camera; similar to the sensor found in Sony’s well-loved (and very capable) RX100 VII camera. But assuming the Pro-I can deliver the same camera performance as the RX1000 VII…is it good enough to make it a compelling flagship smartphone?

Well, yes and no. Though I believe there will be folks who will be attracted to the photography prowess of the Xperia Pro-I – though the true capability of the camera system still remains to be seen right now – the high asking price of the phone makes it a hard sell.

Naturally, the Malaysian pricing of the Xperia Pro-I has not been revealed yet, even if it’s said to be available here
as soon as December 2021
. But we can take the US pricing of the phone to put its value proposition in context. Set to retail at a steep $1,800 in the US market, that comes up to about RM7,470 – definitely a premium asking price.

At this price point, the Xperia Pro-I has to contend with a number of other smartphones with their own unique features. These include the
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
 – the foldable phone retails from RM6,699 to RM7,099 – and of course, the
iPhone 13 Pro Max
, which starts at “only” RM5,299.

Compared to these “mainstream” offerings, the Xperia Pro-I does fall short in a number of vital areas. Next to the Galaxy Z Fold 3, for example, it’s immediately not as eye-catching. Not only does Samsung’s offering has an impressive, awe-inspiring foldable form factor, it even offers
better value for money
.

As for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, it features one of the fastest – if not
the fastest
 – chips on a smartphone, the Apple A15 Bionic. It offers performance levels Android phones can only dream of, and for mobile gamers that want the best gaming experience money can buy, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is as good as it gets.

Of course, it is also an iPhone, which has no shortage of fans.

In contrast, the only thing the Xperia Pro-I has going for itself is the promise of “professional imaging quality.” Don’t get me wrong, it’s great that Sony is leveraging its imaging expertise with this flagship phone, but the phone needs more than just excellent camera performance to succeed, in my opinion.

Granted, the Xperia Pro-I certainly has the hardware of a high-end flagship smartphone. Complementing the impressive 12MP primary sensor are a 12MP telephoto lens with a 50mm focal length, as well as a 12MP ultra-wide angle shooter. These three focal lengths are versatile enough for the phone to deliver a flagship-grade camera experience.

Aside from that, the Xperia Pro-I also has a sharp and vibrant 6.5-inch 4K OLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of expandable storage, an 8MP selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, and an IP65/IP68 rating.

But even so, there’s not enough “wow factor” for the Xperia Pro-I to justify its steep asking price. Again, let’s assume it can really deliver an amazing camera performance; is it worth spending $1,800 for the camera system alone? Sure, some folks will say it’s worth it, but I reckon the majority of folks will say otherwise.

There’s much more to a smartphone than just camera performance alone; it’s also important for a particular device to excel in other regards. It’s no secret that Sony’s smartphone business has seen better days, and it’s unlikely that the Xperia Pro-I can turn things around.

That being said, it’s not fair to pass judgment on the Sony Xperia Pro-I without having even seen the actual phone in person. While a “camera-first phone” may not sound as compelling as a phone with a foldable display or the fastest mobile chip in the market, if Sony can truly deliver an amazing camera performance with the Pro-I…it may win over enough folks.

Well, maybe. Once we have the Xperia Pro-I in for review, we’ll find out for sure if its camera performance alone can justify such a high asking price. Hopefully, Sony Malaysia will bring in the flagship phone to the local market in December 2021 as promised.


Android 12 Finally Allows WhatsApp Chat Transfer From iPhone

One of the biggest pain points of WhatsApp when you’re switching phones is finally addressed; at least, if you’re changing to a brand new Android device from an iPhone. Starting from Android 12, you will be able to transfer your chat history from your iPhone to your new Android phone.

If your Android phone is not running on Android 12, you won’t be able to enjoy this feature. That being said, in a statement to
The Verge
, Google said that phone makers can add support for this feature when they’re updating their respective phones to Android 12.

Of course, the downside to this is that it will depend on the manufacturer to actually implement this feature. Google elaborated that it is working with phone makers to ensure that devices running on Android 12 will support the WhatsApp chat transfer out of the box.

Do note that this feature was
originally available on Samsung phones
 running on Android 10 and above, so it’s good to see that it is now extended to all Android devices running on Android 12, though it’s unfortunate that older devices won’t be able to take advantage of this feature.

Anyway, in order to transfer your WhatsApp chat history from iPhone to Android, you’ll just need a Lightning to USB-C cable. The transfer is done offline, and you won’t receive new messages while the transfer is in progress, ensuring that no messages will be lost.

At the moment, you can only transfer your WhatsApp chat history from iPhone to Android – it doesn’t work the other way around just yet.


Mode SixtyFive Delivery Delayed to November 2021

The first round of fulfilment for the
Mode SixtyFive
 custom keyboard was initially set to begin this month, but the company just revealed that this has been pushed back. Now, the SixtyFive will only start shipping to customers in the second week of November 2021.

Do note that this is only for those who have purchased a solderable PCB for the SixtyFive. If you got the hotswap PCB instead (like myself), fulfilment for this configuration will only begin around the fourth week of November.

According to Mode, this delay is caused by “global shipping network congestion” – a portion of SixtyFive parts still haven’t gotten to the company yet. On the bright side, Mode said that it will be fulfilling SixtyFive orders nonstop on a rolling basis once the parts have arrived.

“We do not anticipate any further delays with orders set to fulfill after this initial wave,” Mode added. While it’s definitely disheartening to have the fulfilment pushed back to November, the SixtyFive is still set to ship quite fast compared to other custom keyboards. After all, it only went up for pre-orders
back in June.

Different configurations of the Mode SixtyFive

Speaking of which, the Mode SixtyFive is still available for pre-order right now until 2022; you can start customising the keyboard over at
Mode’s online store
. To recap, the 65% custom keyboard starts at $299 (about RM1,240), and at the time of writing, new pre-orders of the keyboard are expected to ship in February 2022.

More details on the SixtyFive can be found
over here
.


28 October – 3 November Fuel Price: RON 97 up 10 Sen Again

The price of RON 97 is set to go up this coming week by a pretty big margin. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by a whopping 10 sen per litre; the same amount of increase
two weeks ago
. Not surprisingly, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.97 per litre (up from RM2.87). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 28 October to 3 November. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Where to Buy Staebies?

The
Staebies
 have really been flying off the shelves since they went on sale earlier this month. If you’re having trouble finding out where these excellent screw-in stabilisers will be restocked, this article is just for you.

Depending on where you’re located, you can check the vendors below regularly – or joins their respective Discord servers – to see if the Staebies are back in stock. Do note that this initial run is a “beta round” to collect user inputs – another run is expected to happen in the near future.

Keyboard Treehouse (Australia)

This is likely your best bet for future restocks of the Staebies; it is also the only vendor that had the all-clear polycarbonate version in stock. You can check
this listing
 regularly to see if the Staebies are back in stock.

Alternatively, you can also join
Keyboard Treehouse’s Discord
 for the latest updates from AEBoards itself.

Cannon Keys (US)

If you’re located in the US, Cannon Keys will offer the best shipping time and cost. Once the vendor has the Staebies back in stock, you will find them
right here
; you can also get notified when the stabilisers are restocked from the listing itself. Of course, join
Cannon Keys’ Discord server
 as well to get the latest updates.

Salvun (Europe)

Salvun is no stranger in the custom keyboard scene, especially to those who are residing in Europe. Just like Cannon Keys, Salvun
already listed the Staebies for sale
, so check that listing (and its
Discord server
) for future restocks.

Ashkeebs (Canada)

Finally, there’s Ashkeebs based in Canada. Out of all the vendors listed here, it is the only one who has not listed the Staebies for sale yet. If you want to get the stabilisers as soon as possible, keep an eye out on its
online store
 and
Discord server
.


Durock V2 vs. Staebies – Still Worth Getting?

Before the
Staebies
hit the market last month, the Durock V2 stabilisers were widely considered to be the “gold standard” of screw-in keyboard stabilisers. While they are still really good, the Staebies have an edge when it comes to refinement and ease of tuning.

That being said, while the Staebies compare favourable against the Durock V2, the latter is still worth getting, especially right now when the Staebies are sold out everywhere. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of these two keyboard stabilisers.

Staebies Are Great Out of Box & Very Easy to Tune

The biggest draw of the Staebies come down to their tight,
tight
 tolerances. This leaves little room for the wires to move around in the stems and housings of the stabilisers, keeping rattling and ticking to a minimum. In fact, straight out of the box in stock form, the Staebies sound and feel great.

Of course, there are still some ticking and rattling, but I have never tried stabilisers that sound
this good
 without lubing or modding – it’s incredible. The tight tolerances of the Staebies also make them very easy to tune. I
lubed the housing with Krytox 205g0
 and applied some XHT-BDZ on the wires, and…that’s all I needed to do.

It’s been a couple of weeks now since I’ve tuned the Staebies, and they
still
 sound and feel great. This is unlike Durock V2 stabilisers, which will start rattling or ticking after some time as the lube settles. To get the same level of performance out of the Durock V2, I’ll need to holee mod them, which is time-consuming (and annoying) to do.

But Staebies Are Hard to Come By

This is currently the biggest issue with the Staebies: you literally cannot purchase them right now. You can refer to the list of vendors that carry the Staebies
here
, and at the time of writing, none of them have these stabilisers in stock.

Granted, the first run of the Staebies is considered to be a “beta round” to collect user inputs, so it’s possible there weren’t as many stocks available. Naturally, another run is expected to happen in the near future, which may see some improvements too, such as
better stem compatibility
.

The Durock V2 Is Still Better in Certain Aspects

Yes, as good as the Staebies are, the Durock V2 is still better in some aspects. In terms of smoothness, for example, the Durock V2 beats the Staebies. Of course, this can be attributed to the fact that the Durock V2 has looser tolerances, allowing more room for the stems to move freely in the housings.

There’s also the fact that Durock V2 stabilisers are much,
much easier
 to purchase. Basically any noteworthy keyboard vendor has the Durock V2 in stock right now. If you’re here in Malaysia, Keys.my has them in stock
for only RM63 a set
.

And that’s the other thing: Durock V2 is a lot more affordable than the Staebies. This is especially the case if you’re located in Malaysia like us. As mentioned, a set of Durock V2 stabilisers cost only RM63. As for the Staebies, we got them from
Keyboard Treehouse for $22 a set
 – that comes up to about RM90…without shipping charges included.

So how much did we pay for shipping? A cool $40 (about RM165). Needless to say, this drives up the overall cost of the Staebies quite a bit. Unless more vendors start stocking the stabilisers – such as iLumkb (based in Singapore), which does carry AEBoard products – be prepared to pay quite a bit for shipping if you’re not located in bigger markets.

But…do I regret paying so much for the Staebies? Not at all. Even though I can get a similar level of performance out of Durock V2 stabilisers by holee modding them, it’s still not a perfect solution. After all, holee modded stabilisers run the risk of getting mushier over time as the band-aid inside the stem collects dirt and what not.

So there you have it. If you urgently need a set of screw-in stabilisers – and you don’t mind spending time and effort to mod it – the Durock V2 is still a good option, even if holee modding has its own disadvantages. But if you can wait and you want stabilisers that are much easier to tune (at a higher cost) then it’s worth waiting for the Staebies to be restocked.

Hopefully, the Staebies will be widely available in the near future. They really are some of the best – if not
the best
 – keyboard stabilisers in the market now.


Returnal 2.0 Update Allows You to Save Your Game (Sort Of)

Returnal
 is a tough,
tough
 PlayStation 5 exclusive game, but it will be a little bit less punishing in the 2.0 update, which is now live. Thanks to this new update, you can now save your progress…kind of.

Housemarque calls this new feature Suspend Cycle. As its name suggests, it basically pauses your current run in Returnal to be continued later. Once you’ve done this, you can exit the game or switch off your PS5 without losing your progress – neat, isn’t it?

However, this is not a traditional save point. As Housemarque puts it, “once you resume playing, the suspend point is deleted and cannot be used again.” On top of that, you cannot create suspend point in several instances, such as boss battles, cinematics, or when you’re engaged in combat.

Aside from that, Returnal’s 2.0 update also introduces Photo Mode, so you can capture some really artistic shots of the game’s eerie, dark atmosphere, or Selene in intense combat. You can enter Photo Mode at any point in the game, except in some situations such as first-person sequences.


After 14 Months, the Zenith Custom Keyboard Is Finally Shipping

The custom keyboard hobby is known for its
exceeding long waiting times
, and this is especially true of Rama Works’ products. Well, after 14 months since its pre-order ended, the Zenith custom keyboard is finally shipping to customers, including my own personal unit.

Designed by Ion Keyboards – while the PCB is designed by the renowned Wilba.tech – the Zenith is manufactured and distributed by Rama Works, which is known for its range of premium keyboards and accessories. Needless to say, the Zenith is also a premium 65% custom keyboard; it retailed from $450 (about RM1,870).

Aside from that, the Zenith also has a unique layout: there is a macro column on the left side of the board, so you get the practically of the function keys in a 65% form factor, though it does make the keyboard longer than usual. The Zenith uses an isolated gasket mounting system too that promises a “crisp and clean” typing experience.

Now that the Zenith is finally shipping to consumers, expect our review (and maybe even unboxing) of the premium custom keyboard very soon. Needless to say, I cannot wait to start building the Zenith – after all, I’ve only waited 14 months for it.


Modular DJI Action 2 Unveiled – Now in Malaysia From RM1,999

The DJI Action 2 has just been launched globally, and it is now available for purchase in Malaysia too. Sporting a pretty interesting modular design, the Action 2 is a feature-packed action camera.

There are two bundles of the DJI Action 2 for the Malaysian market. The RM1,999 Power Combo includes the Action 2 camera itself, the Power Module, Magnetic Lanyard, and Magnetic Adapter Mount.

The RM2,499 Dual-Screen Combo, on the other hand, offers the Action 2 camera, Front Touchscreen Module, Magnetic Lanyard, magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount, and Magnetic Adapter Mount – that’s quite a number of accessories.

What makes the Action 2 unique is its sheer modularity. You can attach and detach various modules to it, depending on your usage scenario. For example, you can attach the Front Touchscreen Module if you want to use the Action 2 for vlogging.

Other specifications of the Action 2 include a 1.76-inch OLED touchscreen, a 1/1.7-inch sensor that can record up to 4K at 120fps, a 155-degree FOV, and up to 70 minutes of battery life; 160 minutes if you attach the Front Touchscreen Module to the action camera. Want even longer battery life? The Power Module extends the battery life to 180 minutes.

To recap, the DJI Action 2 is now available for purchase in Malaysia; you can get it either on
Shopee
 or
Lazada
. More details on the brand new action camera can be found
here
.


Honda CR-V Black Edition Now in Malaysia for RM162k

Honda Malaysia just introduced a new variant of its
popular C-segment SUV
. Dubbed Honda CR-V Black Edition, it’s basically an all-black version of the SUV – even the interior is finished in the same colour scheme.

The CR-V Black Edition is based on the
1.5L TC-P 2WD variant
, which goes for RM157,615.91 with sales tax exemption applied until
31 December 2021
. This all-black model, on the other hand, costs slightly more at RM161,913.99 (without sales tax, of course). Basically, you’re paying exactly RM4,298.08 more.

For that kind of money, the CR-V Black Edition has a number of differences. It features a black front grille, black bumper garnish, along with black 18-inch alloy wheels. There are still some chrome accents to give the SUV some contrast, which looks quite nice (in our opinion).

Inside, the CR-V Black Edition continues the…black colour scheme. The steering wheel, digital meter, and air-conditioning are in piano black; even the wood garnishes in the interior are finished in the same black colourway. To complete the look, the front seats have a “Black Edition” embroidery.

Beyond these aesthetic changes, other equipment of the CR-V Black Edition are the same as the 1.5L TC-P 2WD variant. These include a 1.5L DOHC VTEC turbocharged engine with 193PS and 243Nm of torque – paired to a CVT – a powered tailgate, Honda LaneWatch, and of course, Honda Sensing suite of safety features.

The Honda CR-V Black Edition is now available for booking in Malaysia. You can place a booking for the C-segment SUV online
over here
, or through the HondaTouch app – you can download it from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


You Can Get This Popular GMK Keycap Set Without Paying a Premium Now

GMK keycap sets take a
long, long time
 to start shipping to customers, but you won’t have to wait that long (or pay a premium) for this particular set. For a limited time, Drop is offering the Cyberdeck base kit of the popular GMK Laser set
for $110
 – that comes up to about RM455.

While this is still quite a bit of money “just” for a keycap set, it’s worth noting that you’re paying about the same amount of money as purchasing a GMK set during group buy, which takes a year (at a minimum) to start shipping. The fact that this GMK Laser set is currently
in stock
 without a price premium is really quite a big deal.

To put this into context, the Cyberdeck base kit of GMK Laser usually go for $140 (about RM580), so you’re saving $30 (around RM125) with this deal. Needless to say, that’s quite a big amount of discount.

Drop doesn’t mention exactly how long the GMK Laser set will be on sale, so if you want to
grab it for $110
, you may want to act fast. Not sure if GMK sets are worth the money? We’ve got you covered – watch our video above or read our article
here
.


Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake Chips Are Here With “World’s Best Gaming Processor”

Intel has finally unveiled its latest line of 12th generation Alder Lake chips, starting with six unlocked desktop processors. Among them is the flagship Core i9-12900K chip, which is touted to be the “world’s best gaming processor.”

The Alder Lake chips are the first to feature Intel’s new hybrid architecture, which combines high performance “P-cores” with more efficient “E-cores.” In the case of the Core i9-12900K, it comes with 16 cores (eight P-cores and another eight E-cores) with 24 threads. It also has peak clock speeds of up to 5.2GHz.

Chips
Cores (P+E,T)
P-Core Base
P-Core Turbo
E-Core Base
E-Core Turbo
Integrated Graphics
i9-12900K
8+8/24
3.2GHz
5.1GHz
2.4GHz
3.9GHz
Intel UHD Graphics 770
i9-12900KF
8+8/24
3.2GHz
5.1GHz
2.4GHz
3.9GHz
None
i7-12700K
8+4/20
3.6GHz
4.9GHz
2.7GHz
3.8GHz
Intel UHD Graphics 770
i7-12700KF
8+4/20
3.6GHz
4.9GHz
2.7GHz
3.8GHz
None
i5-12600K
6+4/16
3.7GHz
4.9GHz
2.8GHz
3.6GHz
Intel UHD Graphics 770
i5-12600KF
6+4/16
3.7GHz
4.9GHz
2.8GHz
3.6GHz
None

If you’re thinking of getting these new 12th gen Intel chips, do note that you will need a new motherboard; more specifically, those with Intel’s just-announced Z690 chipset. It adds on a number of modern features such as WiFi 6E support and faster USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 data transfer.

These six new 12th generation Intel Alder Lake chips for desktop will be available for purchase from 4 November onwards. Consumers can also expect the mobile version of Alder Lake processors in early 2022 next year.


Gazzew Boba LT Linear Switch Now Available on Pantheon (Singapore)

Gazzew’s latest linear switch, the Boba LT, is now available from Pantheon, a vendor based in Singapore. The “LT” in the switch’s name stands for Linear Thock, so if you want a linear switch with a thocky sound profile, this may be right up your alley.

What lends to the Boba LT’s thocky sound profile is its long stem pole. This is similar to Gazzew’s other (very popular) Boba U4T Thocky switches; you can read our full review – and sound test – of that tactile switch
over here
.

However, because the Boba LT has a long stem pole, it also has slightly reduced travel as it will bottom out on the stem pole. We reckon the travel distance won’t be quite as reduced as, say, the
Gazzew Bobagum silent linear switch
, but if you’re particular about travel distance, keep this in mind.

Anyway, the Gazzew Boba LT is now
available for purchase from Pantheon
. Sold at S$8.70 (about RM25) for a pack of 10 switches, it’s quite reasonably priced, especially for a switch from Gazzew. After all, he is known to produce some of the best switches in the custom keyboard scene.


Rama M65-C Is Back – Premium 65% Keyboard From $380

Rama is running another round of its popular 65% custom keyboard. Dubbed M65-C, it brings a number of new features over previous runs of the keyboard, including a new mounting system and plate options.

Just like the
Rama Kara
, the brand’s more affordable custom keyboard, the M65-C comes with the MUTE plate mounting and dampening solution for a “unique typing experience,” as Rama puts it. Aside from that, the brass plate has also been swapped out for a softer polycarbonate plate; an aluminium plate is offered as an add-on.

Just like Rama’s other keyboards, the M65-C ships with a hotswap PCB complete with per-key RGB LED and VIA support, so you can easily change the key mapping of the keyboard. It is offered in seven distinct colours too: Kuro, Haze, Lake, and Mist are anodised, while the Yolk, Milk, and Soya colourways are e-coated, which also cost more.

The Rama M65-C is now available for pre-order from
Rama’s online store
. The anodised models of the M65-C are priced at $380 (about RM1,575), while the e-coated colour options go for $440 (around RM1,825). Pre-orders are open until 30 November 2021.


PlayStation Plus November 2021 Free Games Include 6 Games for Asia

We’ve got quite a number of titles for PlayStation Plus’ November 2021 free games. As many as six different games can be claimed by members next week on 2 November, which include Knockout City, First Class Trouble, Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning, The Sexy Brutale, and two PlayStation VR titles: The Persistence and Until You Fall.

Out of the six games listed, The Sexy Brutale is exclusively available to PS Plus members in Asia. That being said, it’s worth noting that in the US, players get another PSVR game in place of Sexy Brutale – The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners.

Unlike
previous PS Plus

free games
, all of these games are available on the PS4 too instead of being limited to the PS5. Of course, you do get the PS5 version of Knockout City and First Class Trouble, which should feature better graphics and faster loading times.

These six games can be claimed by PS Plus members from 2 November to 6 December 2021. That means you have until this coming Monday (1 November) to get your hands on October 2021’s free games, including
Hell Let Loose and Mortal Kombat X
.


COVID-19 Booster for AstraZeneca Recipients Will Be Announced Soon

COVID-19 booster shots for those who received the AstraZeneca vaccine will be announced soon by the Ministry of Health (MOH). At the moment, only Pfizer and Sinovac recipients are getting booster shots, starting with frontliners and those who are above 60 years old.

This was announced by Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Health, through a Twitter post. He elaborated that AstraZeneca recipients may be offered either Sinovac or the AstraZeneca vaccine itself if they cannot take mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer.

You will not need to apply, when you are eligible based on the recommended time interval, you will get an appointment notification on MySj to go to a GP/govt clinic or hospital for your booster shot.
— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj)
October 29, 2021

Of course, you won’t need to apply to get the COVID-19 booster shot. As with other vaccine recipients, you will be notified of any appointment through MySejahtera. Depending on where you’re located, the booster will be given at a clinic or hospital.

There’s no timeline yet as to when AstraZeneca recipients will get their COVID-19 booster shots. Khairy said that a booster is not necessary for individuals to be considered fully vaccinated, but it is
highly recommended
 to take the extra dosage.


Huawei MateBook 14s Lands in Malaysia From RM4,999

Huawei’s latest laptop, the Huawei MateBook 14s, has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a modern-looking design with very small screen bezels – and a thin, lightweight chassis – it’s certainly a premium productivity-focused laptop.

Two variants of the MateBook 14s are offered in Malaysia. The base model with an Intel Core i5-11300H processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage retails at RM4,999, while the higher-end configuration with a Core i7-11370H processor with double the RAM and SSD storage (16GB + 1TB) goes for RM6,699.

For that kind of money, the MateBook 14s features a 14.2-inch 2520 x 1680 LTPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio – and a 90Hz refresh rate – Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, a 16.7mm thin chassis that weighs 1.43kg, and a 60Wh battery with support for 90W fast charging.

The Huawei MateBook 14s is now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 6 November 2021. You can place an order for the premium laptop on
Huawei’s own online store
,
Shopee
, or
Lazada
.


Sales Tax Exemption on CKD & CBU Cars Extended Again to 30 June 2022

Just as rumours suggested
, the sales tax exemption on locally assembled (CKD) and fully imported (CBU) vehicles have been extended yet again. Previously set to
end on 31 December 2021
, the exemption period is now extended to 30 June 2022.

Given that the automotive sector was not allowed to operate due to extended COVID-19 lockdowns between June to August 2021, this is very, very welcome news. It’s worth noting that this sales tax exemption was first introduced in June 2020; this is now the third extension.

Naturally, the sales tax exemption is the same as last time. CKD cars – which also include SUVs and MPVs, of course – will get 100% sales tax exemption, while CBU models will get 50% exemption instead. Needless to say, we imagine both carmakers and buyers will be thrilled by this extension.

This is especially the case for those who are still eagerly waiting to take delivery of hugely popular models such as the
Proton X50
 and
Perodua Ativa
. Anyway, to recap, the sales tax exemption on CKD and CBU cars will now end on 30 June 2022.


EVs in Malaysia – No Import Duty, Excise Duty & Sales Tax

Now this is a very interesting bit of news. As part of Malaysia’s Budget 2022 announcement, the government is
proposing
 – important thing to note here – that EVs in Malaysia will not be taxed at all, which should help with the adoption of EVs locally.

So what does this mean? Well, there will be no import duty, excise duty,
or
 sales tax applied to the sales of EVs in Malaysia. Needless to say, this is a very, very big deal – if it comes to fruition.

Aside from that, EVs on the road will also be exempted from road tax. There will also be an income tax relief of RM2,500 for the cost of buying, installing, and renting of EV charging facilities.

However, it’s important to note that this is merely a proposal by the government right now; we’ll have to wait and see if this will eventually be implemented in the near future. If this proposal gets the green light, we reckon the adoption of EVs will be very encouraging in Malaysia.


Keychron Q2 Coming End November 2021 – In-Stock Sale With New Keycaps

Keychron finally revealed more information on its upcoming 65% keyboard, the
Keychron Q2
. Unlike the
Q1
, the new keyboard will be sold as an in-stock keyboard by the end of November next month; a new OSA profile keycap will be paired with the Q2 too.

These details came from
Nick Xu of Keychron
. According to him, the Q2 will only be released once units are in stock along with its accessories. “If things are not ready, we will just postpone the launch date,” he said.

As you can see in the images above, the Q2 will come with double shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile too; quite a change over the OEM profile of the Q1’s stock keycaps. It’s worth noting that Keychron’s OSA keycaps look to be different from
existing OSA keycaps
 – these keycaps seem to have more rounded corners.

Just like the Q1, the Q2 is a gasket-mounted keyboard with a hotswap PCB. It also features a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, and support for screw-in stabilisers. The fully assembled model will come with three choices of Gateron switches as well: Brown (tactile), Red (linear), or Blue (clicky).

So how much will the Keychron Q2 cost? According to Nick Xu, it will be priced similarly to the Q1 – which starts at $149 (about RM620) – despite the fact that it’s a smaller keyboard. Anyway, you can register your interest for the Q2
right here
 ahead of its estimated launch by the end of November 2021 next month.


Keychron Q1 (And Q2) With Knob Support Releasing in November 2021

It’s been a while since we’ve got an update on the knob version of the
Keychron Q1
. Well, we finally have
official confirmation
 from Keychron itself: the Q1 with knob support is set to be released sometime in November next month.

Aside from that, the upcoming
Keychron Q2
 – essentially a 65% version of the Q1 – with a knob will also be released alongside the non-knob model in the same month. It’s possible that both the knob version of the Q1 and the Q2 will be released at the same time, though this is only our educated guess at this point in time.

Nonetheless, the Q1 is quite an interesting pre-built keyboard with features that are typically only found on custom keyboards. These include a gasket mounting system, a full CNC aluminium case, along with a hotswap PCB that supports VIA out of the box for easy key mapping.

Keychron also worked with Gateron quite a bit for the Q1. Not only can it be purchased with three new factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches – Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky) – it features screw-in stabilisers made by Gateron too.

At the moment, stocks on the Keychron Q1 seems to exhausted already on its online store; no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the keyboard either from Keybot. Nonetheless, we’ll keep a close eye on the general availability of the Q1, along with the release of the knob version.


Keychron Q2 Will Have Better Sound Profile Than Q1

One of the biggest shortcomings of the
Keychron Q1
 is its less than desirable sound profile. Case ping is very evident with the keyboard, but according to Keychron, the upcoming
Keychron Q2
 won’t suffer from the same issue. In fact, it’s said to have “better sound profile compared to the Q1.”

This bit of info from
Nick Xu of Keychron
. In order to get rid of the case ping, the Q2 will have a thicker bottom case. On top of that, a silicone will also be added to the case, which should provide further sound deadening for a more pleasant sound signature.

Beyond these changes, the Q2 should be similar to the Q1. It has a gasket mounting system, a hotswap PCB, a CNC aluminium case, an aluminium plate, as well as support for screw-in stabilisers. The fully assembled model will also feature three choices of Gateron switches: Brown (tactile), Red (linear), or Blue (clicky).

It’s also worth noting that the Q2 will come with double shot PBT keycaps in OSA profile too; quite a change over the OEM profile of the Q1’s stock keycaps. It’s interesting that Keychron’s OSA keycaps look to be different from
existing OSA keycaps
 – these keycaps seem to have more rounded corners.

The Keychron Q2 is expected to go on sale (in-stock) by the end of November 2021 next month. As for pricing, it’s expected to be priced similarly to the Q1, which starts at $149 – that comes up to about RM620. If you’re keen to get the Q2, you can register your interest
right here
.


Hu Tao Banner Returns to Genshin Impact on 2 November With Thoma, Sayu, Diona

Hu Tao’s event wish is returning to
Genshin Impact
 tomorrow on 2 November! The 5-star Pyro character’s rerun banner will be accompanied by Thoma – a brand new 4-star Pyro character – Sayu, as well as Diona.

Just like Genshin Impact’s
previous character

event wishes
, the “drop rate” of Hu Tao, Thoma, Sayu, and Diona will be increased. In the case of Hu Tao, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If it’s not her, the
next
 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Hu Tao.

Since Genshin Impact’s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes – depending on which banner you’re rolling – you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Hu Tao. The same rule applies to 4-star characters (guaranteed every 10 roll instead), but given that there are three of them featured in the banner, it’s a little bit more random.

Basically, when you’re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Thoma, Sayu, or Diona. If you’re aiming to get either one of these three characters – especially Thoma, since he’s new – you will likely have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.

Hu Tao’s “Moment of Bloom” event wish will go live on Genshin Impact tomorrow on 2 November at 6PM for us here in Malaysia. Her banner will be available until 23 November, so you’ve got ample time to farm up Primogems for a chance to get Hu Tao or Thoma.


Spy Shot: 2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift – New Face With DRL!

Surprise surprise, the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift has been spotted in the wild! Compared to
its predecessor
, the biggest change to the upcoming B-segment hatchback is a new face. On top of that, the immensely popular hatchback finally gets daylight running lights too.

These images of the facelifted Myvi were first shared by
myvitesse
 on Instagram; the original post has been taken down since. Anyway, as shown in the spy shots below, the new Myvi gets a new front end (similar to the design of the Ativa and Aruz) with vertical DRLs – a feature many, many folks have been asking for.

As for the rear end of the Myvi facelift, not much has changed, except for a slight redesign of the rear bumper. The biggest change is underneath the hood: instead of the current four-speed automatic, the hatchback is rumoured to feature a CVT gearbox instead, similar to the one found in Perodua’s hot SUV, the Ativa.

No word yet on exactly when the 2022 Perodua Myvi facelift will be introduced, though there are talks of a launch sometime this month. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any news pertaining to the new Myvi.

Read more:

2022 Perodua Myvi Facelift Now Open for Booking – From RM45,700 to RM58,800


Honda Malaysia Now Offering up to RM10,000 Discount for November 2021

Last month, Honda Malaysia
offered up to RM9,000 discounts
 for its range of models. But for this month, the deal is even better: the carmaker is now offering up to a
whopping RM10,000 discount
 throughout November 2021.

Naturally,
the Honda Accord
 gets the biggest discount. Previously, the range-topping TC-P trim of the D-segment sedan receives a RM7,000 discount, but it is now increased to a generous RM10,000. As for the more affordable TC model, it also gets a RM10,000 rebate.

The
2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid
, on the other hand, receives a RM7,000 rebate, while the E, V, and RS variants of the B-segment SUV get a RM4,500 discount instead. If you’re looking to get a seven-seater instead, good news: the
Honda BR-V
 is discounted quite a bit too. Both the E and V trims get a RM6,000 discount.

Next is the
all-new Honda City
. The E trim is discounted by RM4,000, while the S, V, and RS variants get a RM3,000 rebate; there’s also a RM2,000 discount for the
brand new V Sensing model
. Other notable discounts given by Honda Malaysia include RM2,000 savings for the TC and TC-P variants of the
Civic
 – the base 1.8L S model gets a bigger RM3,000 rebate – as well as a RM4,000 discount for the Jazz.

Do note that these discounts are only applicable for vehicles registered between 1 to 30 November 2021. More information on these discounts can be found
here
.

If you’re interested to get any of these Honda models with the aforementioned rebates, you can place your booking online
here
. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well – you can download it from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Now Open for Booking – Locally Assembled for RM137k

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has finally opened bookings for the
Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
. Set to be locally assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia, the hybrid SUV is estimated to retail at RM137,000 – this is with sales tax exemption applied
until 30 June 2022
.

What sets the Corolla Cross Hybrid apart from the standard model is its hybrid powertrain. The electric motor – which outputs 72PS and 163Nm of torque – is paired with a 2ZR-FXE 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine that does 98PS and 142Nm of torque. This makes for a combined system output of 122PS, with drive sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT.

Click to enlarge

If you’re worried about the battery longevity of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, you’ll be happy to know that it comes with an eight-year, unlimited mileage warranty. If you want even longer coverage, you can fork out RM2,950 to get two more years of warranty.

In terms of colour options, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is offered in five different shades. There’s Platinum White Pearl – an RM800 option – Red Mica Metallic, Nebula Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Celestite Grey Metallic, which is exclusive to this hybrid model.

If you’re keen to place a booking for the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, you can do so at your nearest Toyota dealership; you can also book for a test drive
right here
. More details on the hybrid SUV can be found on
UMWT’s website
.


Tales of Arise Review: Come for the Graphics, Stay for the Skits

Tales of Arise is one of those games you want to take your time with, which is why we’re only publishing our review of the game now. After all, if we rush through Arise, we won’t be able to watch all of the skits available in the game – more on this further down this review. Now then, let’s get to it!

When we were first introduced to the next iteration of the Tales series at E3 2019, the trailer of Tales of Arise showcased superior scale, detail, and overall graphical prowess in comparison to 2016’s Tales of Berseria. While the latter contained some of the darkest tones the series had yet to offer, the art style of Arise seemed like it would give its predecessor a run for its money.

Initially set to launch in 2020 – before the unsolicited arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic – the game was inevitably pushed back to 10 September 2021. Despite being fashionably late for the series’ 25th anniversary, the hype for Tales of Arise never truly subsided. If anything, expectations could not be higher, especially for fans of the long-running series.

Like most other games in the Tales series, Arise is a standalone entry. There is no need to play any of the previous titles in order to understand the plot or mechanics of this game. The game starts with an introduction of two neighboring planets: Dahna and Rena. Rena, the more technologically-advanced of the two, invades and pillages Dahna of its resources, robbing the Dahnans of their dignity and freedom.

After successfully enslaving Dahna, the Renans introduced five “Lords,” each representing a region that controls a specific element, to govern and keep things in check (read: rule with an iron fist). The only role of unwilling Dahnan slaves was to harvest astral energy, a source of power quantifying the rule of the Five Lords. Such has been the way for 300 hundred years – until now.

Enter Iron Mask, a Dahnan slave donning an iron mask with no recollection of his past (of course he’s conveniently amnesiac, right?) and no sense of pain. He soon meets Shionne, a gun-slinging Renan woman with a past as mysterious as his own.

What’s her quirk you ask? Well, she’s been somehow cursed with “thorns” all her life – a prickly and deadly jolt of energy that activates when she is touched. That’s right, our first two characters are a man that feels no pain and a woman that deals pain to those that touch her – how quaint.

Despite coming from two different worlds, the duo set out to defeat the five Lords in order to obtain their Master Cores – an object that harnesses astral energy and a source of power for the Lords. Shionne believes that obtaining the Master Cores will somehow lift her curse of “thorns.”

Iron Mask, on the other hand – who soon remembers he went by “Alphen” – is just happy to take down the Renan oppressors, while also finding out more about himself while he’s at it. And thus, their journey begins. The first region due for liberation is Calaglia – a fiery dominion with rocky terrain as far as the eye can see. No, really. That’s mostly what Calaglia is, rocks upon rocks.

In the months leading up to the release of Arise, teasers and gameplay of the game flaunted a more “open-world” setting. While it was then confirmed that the game would follow a more traditional, linear gameplay, the farther draw distance and detail within the environments still look plenty stunning. Playing through it myself, that certainly held true…for later parts of the game at least. Back to Calaglia for now.

The first area we’re introduced to in the game is monotonous to say the least. One can argue that that might aid in putting the players in the shoes of a petty Dahnan slave like Alphen, aka Iron Mask. But to me, it made getting through the early exposition via dialogue and talking to NPCs in the area feel like a slog.

I persevered till I arrived at the second region, only to find a similar flavor of…bland. Luckily, it’s the region that followed that I was finally given a taste of eye candy. But stunning flora and fauna aren’t the only feast for the eyes in Tales of Arise.

Character models are now incredibly detailed as well, from their different hairstyles down to the details on their outfits. Speaking of outfits, costume packs are available in the form of DLCs. Alternate outfits are a staple in Tales games to spice things up and play dress-up once in a while, but I actually prefer the default outfits for once.

It also doesn’t help when the game reminds you that DLCs are available in several of its menus and again when you’re resting at a campfire after a long day of fighting Zeugles – the monsters you face while travelling across Dahna.

Combat in Tales of Arise isn’t all that different from previous entries. Zeugles roam the map and the battle commences when you walk into them or vice versa. On the battlefield, you’re able to walk around, jump and dodge freely. In order to dish out the most damage, the goal here is to string together the longest combo of hits possible with normal attacks and special skills called Artes.

What’s unique about the combat system this time around is that each character has a very specific role. Alphen, who you will likely be using most of the time, deals heavy damage while sacrificing some of his HP, while Shionne specialises in taking down aerial enemies. Other characters you meet later in the game have skills that can break enemies’ shields or ground them in place for other party members to attack.

These specialised attacks (or Boost Attacks as they’re called in-game) can be triggered once the Boost Gauge at the bottom left of the combat screen is filled all the way for that specific character. You generally want to save Boost Attacks for specific scenarios that call for such attacks; Shionne for flying enemies, for example.

However, most of the time spent in combat consists of mashing and linking together normal attacks and Artes. This can get…messy at times. In Shonen anime fashion, the characters tend to shout the names of their attacks when executing them, couple that with some motivational lines and quips that some characters express during combat. This makes the whole battle experience rowdy and convoluted.

That being said, this is still the
flashiest
Tales game yet, and some of these Artes are a spectacle to look at, even on the 164th time I’ve used them. But in terms of flashiness, Boost Strikes probably take the cake. Boost Strikes are tag-team finishers that can be triggered when performing a long chain of attacks that fill up a gauge or when the enemy is low on HP.

It’s a little difficult to get used to the combat system in the beginning of the game, and it doesn’t help that Arise slowly reveal more combat mechanics as you progress with the main story. Anyway, the boss battles and Gigant Zeugles – a huge Zeugle type that handsomely rewards you for beating one – are the more challenging parts of the game.

In fact, it’s almost funny how much harder these battles are compared to normal enemies. Not only is there a much, much larger HP pool to deplete, boss attacks are also ridiculously more painful. There’s almost no need to use any healing or revival items in normal encounters, but you might find yourself going through your entire inventory of supplies in boss battles.

Of course, as long as you are not under-leveled, and you have been crafting and finding good equipment, combat in Arise can be fun and fulfilling when you chain together a flurry of attacks or time a Boost Attack
just right
.

But the highlight of the Tales series has never been the combat mechanics, or the overarching story. The latter has always been about a world-ending threat, the main character going through a trauma brought about by their past, then overcoming said trauma and saving the world – for the most part anyway. No, the real gem in the Tales series are the characters and the interactions between them.

After Shionne, the next character to join your ragtag “Dahna-liberation squad” is Rinwell – a young Dahnan mage who possesses the ability to wield astral Artes. Then comes Law, a young man who prefers to let his fists do the talking; Dohalim, an artsy Renan aristocrat; and last but certainly not least, the fan-favourite (and wholesome “waifu”) Kisara.

One thing that stands out with the characters in Tales of Arise is how mature and believable their problems are. The internal struggles they face are relatable, and pep-talk received from other characters are also credibly motivating. These interactions mostly take place in the form of skits, which are short cutscenes of dialogue between characters that have been a staple in the Tales series.

Skits can be triggered when you reach several locations, or as you progress through the game. While you definitely do not want to miss a single one of them, it is incredibly easy to overlook them. Aside from a faint chime, only a tiny pop-up at the very bottom of the screen will let you know that a skit is available to view.

One very neat touch though is that characters will still be seen with their costumes during skits. Sure, it’s not exactly a groundbreaking feature, but it definitely helps with the overall continuity of the game, so to speak.

The aforementioned maturity presented within Arise also extends to character development as well. We naturally find out later in the story that there’s more to the Renans and Dahnans than meets the eye; characters that reacted a certain way to the opposing race change their stance accordingly too.

Mature themes that the game explores such as racism, hierarchal power, and death, are topics very much relevant to our own world – it’s quite a change of pace from typical JRPG tropes. The saying, “it’s about the journey, not the destination,” holds incredibly true for Tales of Arise as the destination….isn’t really something to write home about.

But the journey, especially with good company, is a memorable one with several twists and turns along the way.

So is the game worth picking up? If you have yet to try any of the Tales games, the “next-gen” graphics – as I only reviewed the game on the PS4 Pro – and mature themes of Tales of Arise make it likely the best one to get into right now.

If you’re after more anime-esque characters, or just want a story with more depth, previous titles like Tales of Berseria and Tales of Symphonia (though they are much older titles) are ones to try out.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.

Tales of Arise is now available on PS4 (played on PS4 Pro), PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC
.


Spy Shot: Proton X90/Geely Haoyue Spotted Again – Proton Styling?

Earlier this year, there was a sighting of the Geely Haoyue – or Okavango in The Philippines – being tested here in Malaysia, which is suspected to be the
Proton X90
. Well, the D-segment seven-seater SUV has been spotted locally yet again, suggesting that Proton is working on a new SUV.

This one image of the Haoyue was taken by the folks over at
Paultan.org
. Now, we know this is Proton testing the SUV as the B3611A trade plate is owned by the national carmaker. It’s the very same plate used by a
pre-production Proton X50 test unit
.

Previous spy shot of the Haoyue in Malaysia

Compared to the earlier Haoyue test mule, there are some distinct differences. The position of the number plate, for one, has been moved up from the rear bumper to the tailgate; the taillights look a little different too. Chances are, Proton could be (finally) adding its own personal styling to Geely-based models.

So what is the Haoyue? As mentioned, it’s a large D-segment SUV that can be configured with five or seven seats; it measures 4,835mm long, 1,900mm wide, and 1,785 tall. Compared to the
Proton X70
, the Haoyue is 316mm longer, 69mm wider, and 91mm taller.

Powering the Haoyue, on the other hand, is a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine that outputs 181PS and 300Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent either to the front wheels or all four of them for the AWD model.

However, it’s worth noting that in The Philippines, the Okavango is actually available with a 1.5L three-cylinder turbo engine with a mild hybrid system that put out a combined figure of 190hp and 300Nm of torque. This setup is also paired with a 7DCT, though there is no AWD variant.

Of course, given its positioning as a premium SUV, the Haoyue is equipped with Geely’s level 2 autonomous driving system too. It is made up of 24 different sensors to allow for as many as 17 “intelligent drive features.” According to Geely, this lets the SUV automatically follow, stop, as well as turn at speeds of up to 150km/h.

Oh, just like the
Proton X50
, the Haoyue is also capable of parking itself. It features a 360-degree camera as well, and given the large size of the SUV, we imagine this will come in handy for most drivers.

The Geely Haoyue

Even though the Geely Haoyue is already being tested on Malaysian roads, it’s still much too early to tell if it will eventually materialise to be the “Proton X90.” Nonetheless, we will keep a close eye for any further development.


Honda City V Sensing Now in Malaysia – Adds Honda Sensing for RM90k

Honda Malaysia just introduced a new variant of the popular
Honda City
. Dubbed City V Sensing, the new model is basically…the City V trim with the addition of Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety systems.

So how much does the new City V Sensing cost? A cool RM90,212.36 with sales tax exemption applied until
30 June 2022
. For the sake of comparison, the regular City V currently goes for RM86,561.45, so you’re paying exactly RM3,650.91 more for the V Sensing trim.

Honda Sensing is quite a big addition to the City V Sensing. The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

Aside from the addition of Honda Sensing, the City V Sensing also gets a 7-inch digital instrument cluster instead of an analogue one. Beyond these two upgrades, other equipment of this new model are the exact same as the standard V model.

It’s still powered by the same 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that outputs 121PS and 145Nm of torque, and it is paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The City V Sensing also gets six airbags, Honda LaneWatch, 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Honda City V Sensing is now available for booking in Malaysia. If you’re interested to get it, you can place your booking online
here
. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well – you can download it from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.

Do note that the City V Sensing also gets a
RM2,000 discount now
 as part of Honda’s
Joy of Zero year-end deal
.


Honda City – 23,300 Units Sold, Honda Malaysia’s Best-Selling Model

Aside from launching a brand new variant of the
Honda City
 – the
V Sensing model
 – the Japanese carmaker also revealed the sales figure of the popular B-segment sedan in Malaysia. Since its launch in October 2020, over 23,300 units of the City have been sold locally.

In fact, between January to October 2021, the City accounts for 34% of Honda Malaysia’s total sales. According to the carmaker, this makes the City the brand’s best-selling model. “On behalf of the company, we are truly humbled by the continuous trust as well as support we have received from fellow Malaysians,” said the MD and CEO of Honda Malaysia, Madoka Chujo.

Now with the addition of the City V Sensing model, we reckon sales of the B-segment sedan will see further growth, not to mention the
plethora of discounts given by Honda Malaysia
. To recap, the E trim is discounted by RM4,000, while the S, V, and RS variants get a RM3,000 rebate. There’s also a RM2,000 discount for the new V Sensing trim.

Anyway, if you’re interested to get the Honda City – or any Honda models – you can place your booking online
here
. Alternatively, bookings can be done through the HondaTouch app as well; you can download it from the
Apple App Store
 and
Google Play Store
.


Perodua Sold 27,858 Units in October 2021 – Best Monthly Sales

Perodua recorded very encouraging sales last month in October 2021. With over 27,858 units sold, it was the national carmaker’s best monthly sales yet, beating its previous record of 26,848 vehicles sold in October 2020.

“This achievement is our commitment towards our customers and represents a 90.67% increase from
14,160 units sold in September 2021
. We are now working to further improve production especially for the rest of the year,” said the CEO and President of Perodua, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Of the 27,858 units sold, 8,761 of them (not surprisingly) consist of the Myvi. This is followed by the Axia (5,973), Bezza (5,257), Ativa (3,973), Alza (2,553), and finally, the Aruz (1,341). It’s worth noting that although Perodua sold 27,858 units in October 2021, the carmaker actually produced 29,803 units in the same month.

“I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Perodua staff who have gone beyond their best to ensure that our customers receive their Perodua vehicle as quickly as possible,” Dato’ Zainal added.

Spy shots of the 2022 Myvi facelift

With the facelifted 2022 Perodua Myvi just beyond the horizon – it’s said to be unveiled sometime this month – we reckon Perodua’s sales will get even better then. If you’re curious,
here’s how the new Myvi would look like
.


Video: Akko CS Starfish Sound Test on the Ikki68 Aurora

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a clacky sound profile, consider this: the Akko CS Starfish. Sporting a two-stage spring with a dustproof stem, it’s quite an interesting linear switch with a “snappy” typing experience – it also costs
less than RM1 per switch
.

The snappiness of the CS Starfish comes from its long, two-stage spring; the longer the spring, the stronger, more responsive the upstroke of the switch is. Pushing down on the switch from the very top of the downstroke requires more force as well thanks to the long spring – this may be a typing characteristic some folks want out of a switch.

Aside from the Akko CS Starfish, we also received the
Jelly Blue, Jelly Black, and CS Sponge
 switches from Akko. Stay tuned for our review – and sound test – of these switches!


Akko Introduces 3 Gasket-Mounted Keyboards With Acrylic Case From RM265

Akko just introduced a rather interesting lineup of keyboard kits with an acrylic case. Available in three different layouts, these gasket-mounted keyboards have a number of attractive features, including affordable price tags.

The ACR 64 (60% layout with arrow keys) and ACR 67 (65% layout) retail at $86 (about RM355), while the ACR 75 (75% layout) goes for $90 (around RM375). Beyond the different layouts, these three keyboards share the same feature set.

The ACR 75
The ACR 67
The ACR 64

These include a hotswap PCB with TTC’s socket, a gasket mount design with EVA foam, an FR4 plate, RGB backlighting, as well as a colour-matched coiled cable. Speaking of which, these acrylic keyboards are available in White, Blue, and Pink. There’s also Black, but this colourway is only available for pre-order right now.

While these acrylic keyboards from Akko look quite promising, there is one “downside” – they make use of plate-mounted stabilisers, which are not quite as secure as screw-in ones. Nonetheless, when properly tuned, plate-mounted stabilisers can still provide a good typing experience.

The Akko
ACR 75
,
ACR 67
, and
ACR 64
 are now available for purchase on Akko’s online store. Alternatively, they’re also available on Shopee Malaysia at a lower price, though only the
ACR 75
 (RM289.99) and
ACR 67
 (RM264.99) are listed at the moment.


Razer Finally Introduces the Pro Click Mini With Silent Mechanical Switches for $80

Five months
 after we first reported on the
Razer Pro Click Mini
, the productivity-focused mouse has finally been introduced by Razer. Sporting silent mechanical switches, this mouse is ideal for those who are working in a quiet environment.

As we’ve previously reported, the Pro Click Mini retails at $80; that comes up to about RM330. For that kind of money, you’re getting an ambidextrous mouse in a compact form factor. It also works through Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle for better latency.

Other specifications of the Pro Click Mini include a scroll wheel that can alternate between free-spin and tactile modes, up to a whopping 725 hours of battery life on Bluetooth mode with two AA batteries – it goes down to 465 hours if you use the 2.4GHz dongle – as well as rubberised sides.

At the time of writing, there’s no word yet on the Malaysian availability of the Razer Pro Click Mini. But given that it was already registered with SIRIM back in June this year, we reckon it will be sold locally in the very near future.


Ducky Launches One 3 Series, Its First Mainstream Keyboard With Hotswap PCB

Now this is interesting: Ducky just introduced its latest lineup of keyboards under the
One 3 series
. What makes these keyboards particularly interesting is the fact that they are the Taiwanese company’s first mainstream offering with a hotswap PCB, allowing users to easily swap out the switches.

Technically, the
2020 Ducky Year of the Rat
 is the company’s first keyboard with hotswap support, but that is a limited edition model. The One 3 series, on the other hand, is made up of mainstream (and affordable) keyboards. In fact, the lineup is offered in many different colourways and form factor, including full-size, TKL, 65%, and even 60%.

Aside from the hotswap PCB, the One 3 series also features double-shot PBT keycaps, Cherry MX switches, RGB backlighting, a number of sound deadening material for improved sound profile, and plate-mounted stabilisers that are “fine-tuned for an exceptional typing experience,” as Ducky puts it.

No word yet on exactly when the Ducky One 3 series will go on sale, though we reckon
Sun Cycle
 – the official distributor of Ducky products locally – will bring in these keyboards in the near future.


4 – 10 November Fuel Price: RON 97 up 9 Sen, RON 95 & Diesel Maintain

The price of RON 97 is set to go up yet again this coming week by a pretty big margin. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by a steep 9 sen per litre. Not surprisingly, the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM3.06 per litre (up from RM2.97). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 4 to 10 November. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Realme Pad Lands in Malaysia for Only RM799

Realme just launched its first-ever tablet, the Realme Pad, here in Malaysia. If you’re looking for an affordable Android tablet, you may want to check it out – it’s really quite budget-friendly.

As many as four different variants of the Realme Pad are offered in Malaysia. The base WiFi-only model with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM retails at RM899, while the LTE version with the same amount of storage and RAM costs RM949. Interestingly, can get these two variants with a RM100 discount on 11 November.

There are also two other LTE models of the Realme Pad: the 64GB + 4GB version is priced at RM999, while the 128GB + 6GB configuration goes for RM1,199.

For that kind of money, the Realme Pad offers a 10.4-inch 2000 x 1200 IPS screen and a MediaTek Helio G80 chip – reasonably good hardware for the money. Other specifications of the Realme Pad include a microSD card slot, an 8MP rear camera, another 8MP shooter on the front for selfies, a 7,100mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging, and a 6.9mm thin chassis.

The Realme Pad will be
available for purchase on Shopee
 next week on 11 November 2021. To recap, you can get a RM100 discount on the tablet then for the 32GB + 3GB configuration of the WiFi-only and LTE models.


Realme GT Neo 2 Launches in Malaysia for RM2,199 – Early Birds Get RM200 Discount

Aside from the
budget-friendly Realme Pad
, the Chinese company also launched the Realme GT Neo 2 smartphone in Malaysia. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset with a 120Hz screen, it’s a reasonably capable smartphone.

For the Malaysian market, only one variant of the GT Neo 2 is offered. Packed with 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM, it’s priced at RM2,199. If you purchase it on the first day of sale on 11 November, you can get a RM200 discount, bringing down the price of the phone to RM1,999.

As mentioned, the GT Neo 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset, which is essentially a faster version of the Snapdragon 865, Qualcomm’s flagship chipset last year. Paired with the phone’s 120Hz 6.62-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED screen, along with a 600Hz touch sampling rate, it’s quite a good device for avid mobile gamers.

Other specifications of the GT Neo 2 include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro), a 16MP selfie camera, as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging.

The Realme GT Neo 2 will be available for purchase in Malaysia next week on 11 November from Shopee as well as Lazada. To reiterate, you can get the phone with a RM200 discount on that day, bringing down the price to RM1,999.


Video: I Waited 15 Months for This Unboxing – Ion Zenith Keyboard

After waiting 15 long months, I finally received my unit of the
Zenith
. Designed by Ion Keyboards – and manufactured by Rama Works – it’s a premium 65% custom keyboard with a rather unique layout: there’s a macro column on the left side of the board.

Although the Zenith is designed by Ion Keyboards, it it actually manufactured and distributed by Rama Works, which is known for its range of premium keyboards and accessories. Aside from that, the Zenith also uses an isolated gasket mounting system that promises a “crisp and clean” typing experience.

We will be doing a full review of the Zenith in the near future, so in the meantime, enjoy this unboxing of the premium custom keyboard!