Only 1,082 Proton X50 Bookings Fulfilled in January 2021; 4,809 Units Delivered to Date

Proton just released its monthly sales reports, and things are not looking particularly great. In January 2021 last month, only 1,082 units of the
Proton X50
 were delivered to eager buyers. To date, only 4,809 units of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV have been delivered.

Naturally, this figure dwarfs the total bookings of the Proton X50, which has actually exceeded the 30,000 mark
back in December 2020
. As for the national carmaker’s other (equally) popular SUV, the
Proton X70
, only 892 units were delivered last month. Still, both SUVs are leading their respective segments in Malaysia.

According to Proton, these figures are merely a “reflection of supply not being able to meet demand rather than a reduction in bookings” – the carmaker added that it is working hard to meet customer demand. “Our supply lines have been disrupted over the last few months by the coronavirus, making it difficult to ensure a steady flow of parts needed to build our cars,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.

“It’s something all car manufacturers have been facing for the past year, but we are hopeful that with the arrival of a vaccine things will stabilise by the middle of the year,” he added. Naturally, the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to 18 February will further affect Proton’s ability to produce as many cars as it possibly can.

Proton added that despite the delays, the national carmaker still “intends to pursue its product launch plans for 2021,” so we can expect the much rumoured
Proton Persona and Proton Iriz facelift
 to be launched sometime this year. Hopefully, more units of the X50 – and the X70 – will be delivered to eager buyers (myself included) as well in the near future.


Video: Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE Review

Here’s our video review of the
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE
, one of the most
powerful
 gaming laptops in the market now. Powered by the brand new mobile version of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, you can easily run AAA games with maxed out graphics settings at 4K resolution with this machine.

While it’s evident that the Zephyrus Duo is a powerful gaming laptop, we were quite surprised to learn that it can also serve as a pretty good productivity laptop. In our testing, the Zephyrus Duo can actually deliver between five to six hours of use on a single charge. This level of battery life is downright impressive for a laptop with such beefy hardware under the hood, not to mention the fact that it has
two screens
.

Of course, retailing from RM12,999 – or RM19,999 for the RTX 3080 model – the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE is undoubtedly a costly gaming laptop. So is it worth forking out that much money for the Zephyrus Duo? Well, watch our video review above to find out!


You Can Get The Last of Us Part II For Only RM129 Now

PlayStation is running a rather interesting sale in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration. Dubbed “Playful New Year” sale, you can get a number of games and a 12-month PlayStation Plus subscription at a pretty big discount.

Now, one of the most noteworthy games on discount as part of this sale is definitely
The Last of Us Part II
; the physical copy of the game can be purchased for only RM129 (instead of RM239) until 21 February. You can get the game at this price from PlayStation authorised dealers, Sony Stores, and selected major retailers.

Even though The Last of Us Part II has a divisive plot, the game still tells a devastating, heart-wrenching story that truly showcases Naughty Dog’s masterful storytelling. Coupled with stunning graphics and excellent gameplay elements, this was easily one of
the best – if not
the best
 – games of 2020
. It’s an absolute must-play game for PS4 owners.

Anyway, other games that are discounted as part of the Playful New Year sale include
Ghost of Tsushima
 (RM169) and
Final Fantasy VII Remake
 (RM129). Just like how it is for The Last of Us Part II, these discounts are for the physical copies of the respective games. If you need a new DualShock 4, you can also get one for only RM179.

Of course, as mentioned, you can also get a 12-month subscription to PlayStation Plus with a 25% discount, bringing down the price to
only RM119
 instead of RM159.

These discounts will be valid until 21 February 2021. You can also check out the
PlayStation Store
 for a number of other games discounted as part of the Playful New Year sale.


Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Camera Review – Samsung’s Best Camera to Date

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, as the range-topping model in the
S21 series
, naturally features the best hardware. One of the most impressive hardware of this flagship smartphone has to be its sophisticated quad camera system, which can do up to 100x Space Zoom.

But the far-reaching zoom of the S21 Ultra is not the best feature of the camera. Instead, it is the sheer versatility of the quad camera configuration, thanks to its different focal lengths that actually serve their respective purposes in meaningful ways. If you want one of the best camera systems on a smartphone now, you will be very happy with the S21 Ultra.

Now, let’s talk about the specifications of the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s quad camera setup first. It is made up of a 108MP f/1.8 primary shooter, a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor (3x optical zoom), and of course, another 10MP f/4.9 telephoto camera that can do 10x optical zoom. This camera configuration allows the phone to do up to 100x Space Zoom, and there’s also a laser autofocus system.

Generally, shooting with the S21 Ultra is a pleasant experience. The camera interface is responsive, it’s (mostly) effortless to get sharp, good-looking shots, and with the aforementioned autofocus system, the S21 Ultra can now lock in focus quickly and seamlessly. The iffy autofocus performance of last year’s
S20 Ultra
 was my biggest issue with the phone, so it’s great to see that this is finally addressed with its successor right here.

While the camera interface is responsive for the most part, it’s a different story once I switch to the S21 Ultra’s 10x telephoto lens. Not only does the camera feel more sluggish, it’s harder to capture blur-free images too; the shutter speed slows down quite a bit at this level of zoom to make up for the smaller aperture opening.

But the thing is, I
still
 want to use the S21 Ultra’s 10x telephoto camera despite these shortcomings, and I’m not just using it to capture subjects that are further away. When I need to frame a tighter shot to put more emphasis on a particular subject, this 10x zoom lens can do exactly that. With some patience and effort, I can still get great-looking shots with a good amount of detail. Judge for yourself with these sample shots at 10x zoom:

10MP telephoto (10x)
10MP telephoto (10x)
10MP telephoto (10x)
10MP telephoto (10x)

But what if you want to take close-up shots? Well, that’s where the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s 12MP ultra-wide angle sensor comes into the picture. That’s right, the ultra-wide camera can actually take macro shots, and you can get
really
 up-close to a subject and still be able to capture a good amount of detail.

However, it’s a little bit finicky to get these shots. For best results, it’s best to get close to your subject and wait for the “focus enhancer” notification to pop-up on the camera interface instead of manually switching to the ultra-wide angle lens. This means the phone has automatically switched to the sensor in question to capture as much detail as it possibly can while minimising any form of distortion – with some image processing magic – from using such a wide lens for macro shots.

Really, the end results look
great
. Just take a look at these close-up shots.

12MP ultra-wide angle
12MP ultra-wide angle
12MP ultra-wide angle

108MP primary
108MP primary

As for the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s camera performance as a whole, it’s fantastic. Yes, it has a tendency to capture images with more intense, saturated colours, but it’s not to the point where they look artificial. It’s no secret that Samsung phones don’t produce the most natural-looking shots, but they
do
 look pleasant to the eyes – well, to my eyes anyway.

However, while the Galaxy S21 Ultra’s camera performance is excellent, it’s worth noting that the phone also heats up quite a bit as I’m using the camera. In fact, it got to the point where the top half of the phone (especially the frame) gets a little too hot to the touch. Once this happens, the camera interface feels more sluggish too.

This is not an issue unique to the S21 Ultra either: I encountered the same problem with the
standard Galaxy S21
.

Nonetheless, I will take a closer look at this thermal issue – among other things, of course – in the full review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is coming very, very soon. It’s more challenging to review smartphones thoroughly in this second Movement Control Order (MCO) set by the government, so do bear with us!

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a smartphone with a fantastic, versatile camera system, the Galaxy S21 Ultra easily fits the bill. However, depending on how much you’re willing to pay, it can be tough to swallow the RM5,299 starting price of this costly flagship smartphone. Stay tuned to our full review for our final thoughts on the S21 Ultra!


Dell XPS 13 With 11th Gen Intel CPU Now Starts at RM5,399 in Malaysia

Launched in Malaysia
back in October last year
, the latest
Dell XPS 13
 with Intel’s 11th generation processors are now more affordable than ever. Previously retailing from RM6,399, the base model of the premium productivity laptop now goes for only RM5,399 – that’s a whopping RM1,000 price difference.

We spotted this new pricing of the XPS 13 on
Dell’s Malaysian online store
. The most affordable model, as mentioned, is now listed at only RM5,399. For that kind of money, you’re getting an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, and a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 display with a tall 16:10 aspect ratio.

If you want the sharper 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled screen instead, this option is only reserved for the higher-end XPS 13 with a faster Core i7-1185G7 processor paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. How much does this variant cost? RM6,999. For the sake of comparison, a similar configuration of the XPS 13 used to retail at RM7,899 when the laptop was first launched here.

If you want to upgrade the SSD of this XPS 13 variant to 1TB, you’ll just have to fork out an extra RM500, bringing the total price to RM7,499. It’s worth noting that the Frost White colourway of the XPS 13 is also only available in this particular configuration.

Now that the latest Dell XPS 13 starts from only RM5,399 here in Malaysia, this premium productivity laptop is that much more compelling. Not sure if the XPS 13 is for you? Then stay tuned for our full review! In the meantime, you can check out our hands-on video above.


6 – 12 February Fuel Price: Petrol up 3 Sen, Diesel up 4 Sen

Fuel prices are going up for the next seven days folks. Both RON 95 and RON 97 are up by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a more drastic price hike of 4 sen per litre. If you need to be out and about during MCO, consider fueling up tonight.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.93 per litre (up from RM1.90) and RON 97 to RM2.23 per litre (RM2.20 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM2.11 per litre this coming week compared to RM2.07 previously.

These prices will be in effect from 6 to 12 February next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Video: Dell XPS 13 Review – A Premium Productivity Laptop From RM5,399

Previous iterations of the
Dell XPS 13
 have always been lauded as some of the best (and sleekest) premium productivity laptops, so it goes without saying the same still applies to the
2020 XPS 13
 right here. I’ve been using it as my daily driver for quite some time now, and I can say this with confidence: it’s a
fantastic
 premium laptop.

Now, there’s a bit of a disclaimer here: we received this unit of the XPS 13 from Dell itself. But rest assured, we are still giving the laptop a fair, honest assessment in this review.  On top of that, we’re also testing a slightly older variant of the XPS 13 with Intel’s 10th generation processor instead of the newer model with the chipmaker’s 11th generation Tiger Lake chips.

That being said, beyond the different processor, both variants of the XPS 13 still share very similar hardware. These include the same screen, chassis, design, and basically everything else.

Given that the Dell XPS 13 now starts
at only RM5,399
 – instead of RM6,399 – here in Malaysia, it’s a good buy for anyone that’s looking to get a refined, premium productivity laptop. Watch our video review above if you’re not convinced!


Motorola Razr (2020) Now in Malaysia for RM5,999

Back in November last year, we reported that the Motorola Razr (2020) was
registered with SIRIM
 under Lenovo Malaysia, and it appears the foldable smartphone is finally available for purchase here in Malaysia. As expected, this “modern flip phone” does not come cheap.

We first spotted the Malaysian availability of the Motorola Razr on
DirectD’s Facebook page
. According to the popular retailer, the flip phone retails at a cool RM5,999 for our local market. Those who purchase the Razr will also receive a complimentary leather case for the phone and a Lenovo Tab M7 tablet; these items are said to be worth RM768.

Compared to the first model released in 2019, the updated Razr is quite a bit better. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset now, providing 5G connectivity and better performance. On top of that, it also has a slightly larger 2,800mAh battery, which should be able to provide better battery life than the 2,510mAh cell of the 2019 model.

Other specifications of the 2020 Razr include (of course) a foldable 6.2-inch HD+ plastic OLED screen, an external 2.7-inch 800 x 600 OLED display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of non-expandable storage, a single 48MP f/1.7 rear camera, a 20MP f/2.2 selfie camera, and a rear fingerprint sensor.

To recap, the Motorola Razr (2020) can now be purchased in Malaysia for RM5,999. If you’re keen to grab this decadent flip phone, you can do so over at
DirectD’s online store
.


Asus Reveals Full GPU Specs of Its RTX 30 Series Gaming Laptops

In light of Nvidia’s announcement that laptop makers are now required to list the full GPU specifications of their RTX 30 series laptops, Asus has revealed key specifications of said GPUs powering the Taiwanese company’s latest range of gaming laptops. These include the powerful
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE
, the unique
Asus ROG Flow X13
, and even the laptop’s accompanying ROG XG Mobile external GPU enclosure.

Let’s start with the GPU specifications of the ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE. For the range-topping RTX 3080 model, it has a boost clock speed of 1645MHz with a 115W TGP; reasonably high TGP for a gaming laptop as slim as it is. Based on our
review of the RTX 3080 Zephyrus Duo
, it can certainly deliver very good performance.

As for the ROG Flow X13, the modest GTX 1650 under its hood has a boost clock speed of 1255MHz with a 35W TGP. Obviously, these are not very impressive numbers, but given that the Flow X13 (on its own) seems to be designed as a good productivity laptop that can also do some gaming on the side, these figures make sense.

But when paired with the ROG XG Mobile external GPU, the Flow X13 should bring some
big
 performance upgrades. After all, the RTX 3080 variant of the XG Mobile enclosure – which is the only configuration set to be available in Malaysia – has a boost clock speed of 1810MHz with a whopping 150W TGP. It’ll be interesting to see if the proprietary connection that pairs the XG Mobile to the Flow X13 will have any performance degradation.

The full list of GPU specifications for Asus’ other RTX 30 series gaming laptops can be found in the list above. We expect other laptop makers to release the same information for its RTX 30 gaming laptops soon, given that this is now a requirement from Nvidia itself.


Asus ROG Flow X13 Retails From RM5,999 to RM13,499 in Malaysia

Asus just revealed the Malaysian pricing of its most unique (convertible) gaming laptop yet, the
Asus ROG Flow X13
. Retailing from RM5,999 to a whopping RM13,499, the Flow X13 is definitely not meant for those looking to get a budget-friendly gaming laptop.

Three different configurations of the ROG Flow X13 are offered in Malaysia. The base model (RM5,999) features an AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS processor paired with 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU, as well as a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 touch-enabled IPS screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and 16:10 aspect ratio.

Moving up the price range, we have the RM6,499 configuration of the ROG Flow X13. Compared to the base model, this variant actually offers better value for money. For only RM500 more, you’re getting a faster Ryzen 9 5900HS processor
and
 double the SSD storage at 1TB. In our opinion, this is the model to go for if you want the most value for your money.

Last but definitely not least is the range-topping ROG Flow X13, which is the only configuration to be bundled with the ROG XG Mobile. Retailing at a steep RM13,499, you’re getting an even more powerful Ryzen 9 5980HS processor paired with 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a sharp 13.4-inch 3840 x 2400 touch-enabled screen, albeit with a 60Hz refresh rate.

As for the XG Mobile external GPU enclosure itself, it’s packed with a beefy RTX 3080 mobile GPU with a
high 150W TGP
.

The Asus ROG Flow X13 with the Ryzen 9 5900HS processor (RM6,499) can now be purchased in Malaysia. The Ryzen 7 5800HS base model (RM5,999) and the range-topping Ryzen 9 5980HS configuration (RM13,499) with the ROG XG Mobile, on the other hand, will only arrive here by the end of February 2021.


Spy Spot: R3-Branded Proton Saga & Iriz Spotted on Trailer – Launching Soon?

Images of the R3-branded Proton Saga and Iriz
started circulating online not too long ago
, and it appears these two models may be introduced very, very soon. Both of them have just been spotted on trailers completely undisguised, suggesting that Proton may be gearing up to launch them in the near future.

These images were shared by the readers of
Paul Tan
. Looking at these shots, it’s evident that the Saga R3 shares quite a bit of the
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
‘s design language. The same black and yellow colour scheme is present, and there’s even an R3 badge on the rear of the upcoming Saga model.

As for the Iriz R3, it has the same colour scheme as the Saga R3. Its side mirrors are finished in yellow, there’s a yellow streak across the front end of the B-segment hatchback, and even the wheels seem to be larger than the current model. There’s also a yellow strip on the lower bumper of the Iriz R3.

Based on previous leaked images of the R3-branded Iriz and Saga, the interior of the two cars will carry the same black and yellow colour scheme. In fact, the front seats of both models carry the R3 branding as well, and in the case of the Saga R3, even the dashboard and instrument cluster have some yellow highlights, as you can see in the image below.

Image source:
Careta

Given that the Proton Iriz R3 looks similar to the existing model, this is unlikely the 2021 facelifted model, so it’s possible it will be introduced by the national carmaker earlier than the
facelifted Iriz and Persona
. Anyway, we’ll keep a close eye on any announcement from Proton concerning the R3-branded Iriz and Saga.


Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Quick Review: Expensive, But Worth It

We
reviewed the camera performance
 of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, so it’s time we get to the full review of the flagship smartphone itself. I’ve been using it as my daily driver for quite some time now, and while it is unmistakably an expensive smartphone, it’s definitely one of the most refined flagship phones I’ve
ever
 used.

If you can look past its steep price tag, you will be very happy with the Galaxy S21 Ultra – it sets the bar high on what to expect from a 2021 flagship smartphone.

What It Is

Display
6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3200 x 1440), 10Hz – 120Hz (adaptive refresh rate)
Chipset
Samsung Exynos 2100 2.9GHz octa-core
GPU
Mali-G78 MP14
RAM
12/16GB
Storage
256/512GB, non-expandable
Camera (rear)
108MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS
12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle), Dual Pixel AF
10MP f/2.4 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 3x zoom
10MP f/4.9 (telephoto), Dual Pixel AF, OIS, 10x zoom
Laser autofocus system
Camera (front)
40MP f/2.2
Battery
5,000mAh
Dimensions
75.6 x 165.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight
229g (mmW), 227g (sub6)
OS
One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
Connectivity
5G
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.2
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
USB Type-C
Price
RM5,299 (256GB), RM5,899 (512GB)

Naturally, the Galaxy S21 Ultra sports the latest and greatest hardware. The Exynos 2100 chipset, for one, offers excellent performance, and given that it is built on a power-efficient 5nm process, it allows the phone to return pretty darn good battery life too. That being said, the S21 Ultra no longer supports expandable storage now, not to mention the fact that a charger is not bundled with the phone anymore.

The Good Stuff

First and foremost, let’s talk about the most eye-catching hardware of the Galaxy S21 Ultra: its
stunning
 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. Samsung makes some of the best panels in the market, and this is truly exemplified with the S21 Ultra. It is bright, vibrant, and it even has support for adaptive refresh frame from 120Hz to as low as 10Hz for maximum power efficiency.

Speaking of which, the Galaxy S21 Ultra can return very respectable battery life as well with its generous 5,000mAh battery. On average, I can get six hours of screen on time before running out of juice. Do note that I didn’t even lock the screen’s refresh rate to 60Hz to get this level of battery life, though I did set the resolution to 1080p instead of the screen’s native QHD+ resolution.

And then there’s the performance of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. As mentioned, the Exynos 2100 chipset provides a high level of performance. Whether I’m gaming or multitasking with a bunch of different tabs on Google Chrome, the phone simply blazes through all of them. The fast 120Hz screen also gives the impression of an even snappier performance.

Aside from that, I really like the design of the Galaxy S21 Ultra as well, especially the “Contour Cut” camera design. The side rail of the phone seemingly extends to the camera module, lending to a very unique-looking design language that works really well in…well, disguising the fact that this phone has a huge camera bump.

Overall, the S21 Ultra has solid build quality too with tight tolerances. I love the fact that the rear glass panel has a matte finish as well, though it does make the phone a tad slippery. Oh, have I mentioned the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor of this phone? It’s
much
 faster and far more accurate now.

Last but certainly not least is the camera performance of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. I’ve covered this aspect of the phone
extensively in my camera review
, and it’s no exaggeration to say that if you want one of the best camera systems on a smartphone at this very moment, look no further than the S21 Ultra.

Regardless of lighting situation, the quad camera system simply delivers. This is especially the case with the 108MP f/1.8 primary sensor, which can now lock in focus very quickly thanks to the inclusion of a laser autofocus system. I also had
a lot
 of fun photographing with the 10MP telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom – it opens up a lot of possibilities to frame tighter shots to highlight certain subjects.

12MP ultra-wide angle
108MP primary
10MP telephoto (3x zoom)
10MP telephoto (10x zoom)
10MP telephoto (30x zoom)
10MP telephoto (100x zoom)
12MP ultra-wide angle
108MP primary
10MP telephoto (3x zoom)
10MP telephoto (10x zoom)
10MP telephoto (30x zoom)
10MP telephoto (100x zoom)

Of course, the 100x Space Zoom of the S21 Ultra is quite impressive too, though at that level of zoom, not much detail is retained, even under the most ideal lighting condition. It’s a fun party trick, yes, but beyond 30x zoom, you won’t get very satisfactory results.

All in all, I had a blast photographing with the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which practically solved all of the issues that plagued
its predecessor
. Samsung truly figured out how to make its new camera system with the 108MP sensor work seamlessly, and you can judge the camera performance for yourself with the sample shots below.

The Bad Stuff

As with any smartphone, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has its fair share of shortcomings. The most prominent one is the fact that this phone can get quite toasty in certain conditions. This is especially noticeable when I’m photographing or gaming with the phone – the top half of the phone (especially the frame) gets too hot to the touch.

Granted, this is easily solved by slapping on a case to the S21 Ultra. But if you plan to use the phone without any case on, you may want to take note of this issue. Based on
user
reviews
, this thermal issue is not exclusive to the Exynos 2100 variant either; the same problem seems to be happening to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 version as well.

Of course, there’s also the steep asking price of the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Retailing at RM5,299 and RM5,899 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively, it is quite a bit more expensive than its predecessor. After all, the S20 Ultra (at launch) retailed at RM4,999, which is RM300 less than the current model.

That being said, you do get
more value for your money
 with the S21 Ultra. Although it costs RM300 more than the previous model, you do get 256GB of storage instead of 128GB. Then again, you’re
also
 losing the microSD card slot with the S21 Ultra, which makes it somewhat necessary to get more built-in storage.

Is It Worth It?

Well, if you’re looking to get one of the best flagship smartphones in the market now – and you’re willing to part with at least RM5,299 – then the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is really one of the best options right now. It has a large, stunning screen,
excellent
 camera performance, good battery life, and to top it all off, it’s a sleek, handsome smartphone too.

Sure, the Galaxy S21 costs a lot of money, and it has a tendency to heat up quite a bit, but it ticks all the right boxes in many other aspects. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – Samsung set the benchmark really high on what to expect out of a 2021 flagship smartphone with the S21 Ultra, especially when it comes to camera performance and screen quality.


NovelKeys NK87 Pre-Orders Opening Soon – Below $300 Custom TKL Keyboard

NovelKeys seems to be working on a new custom mechanical keyboard. Currently, the vendor only has two 65% keyboards – the
NK65 Aluminium
 and
NK65 Entry
 – but sometime this month, NovelKeys will release its first TKL keyboard, the NK87. On top of that, it will be priced rather competitively too (for a custom keyboard).

The existence of the NK87 was first confirmed by NovelKeys itself on one of
Taeha Types’ streams
 embedded below. The vendor shared an actual product image of the upcoming custom mechanical keyboard, showing off the myriad of colours that will be offered. These include blue, black, white, beige, and even a bright yellow colour option, which looks very striking.

Unfortunately, not much details regarding the NK87 have been revealed so far, aside from some basic specifications. It will feature an aluminium case, a top-mount system, a textured finish akin to that of “older cameras” – seemingly only for certain colour options – and it will be largely similar to the NK65, but with improved acoustics for a better sound signature.

Of course, NovelKeys also shared the estimated pricing of the NK87. According to the vendor, the upcoming TKL mechanical keyboard will retail somewhere between $250 to $300 – that comes up to about RM1,010 to RM1,210. Do note that it’s likely the NK87 will not include
switches
and
keycaps
, so you need to get these two components separately to complete the keyboard.

Yes, the NovelKeys NK87 does cost quite a bit more money than an off-the-shelf keyboard of the same size, but it
is
 a proper custom mechanical keyboard, which is (really)
inherently superior
. We should hear more from NovelKeys soon on exactly when the NK87 will be available – pre-orders for the keyboard are said to be open sometime this month.


Proton Launching Special Edition Saga, Persona, Iriz & Exora on 18 February

New Proton models are coming! Well, not entirely new ones, but special editions of the national carmaker’s existing models. These include the Proton Saga, Persona, Iriz, and even the Exora – basically, all of Proton’s “legacy” models prior to its partnership with Geely.

Proton revealed the existence of these new special edition models on its
Facebook page
 not too long ago. Set to be unveiled next week on 18 February via a virtual launch event at 11AM – no surprise, given that MCO is still in effect – online bookings for the new models will also take place at the same time.

Based on the
plethora of

previous leaks
, the special edition Saga and Iriz are the R3-branded models that we’ve seen so far, which have been confirmed by Proton itself. Just like the
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
, the R3-stylised Saga and Iriz will also carry a black and yellow colour scheme throughout the exterior and interior.

As for the special edition Persona and Exora, they will be the “Black Edition” of the existing cars. As the name suggests, these two models will be painted black with some exterior updates, as teased by Proton
right here
. Basically, all of the special edition Proton models that will be unveiled soon will sport a black paint job, a colour option that’s usually not offered by the national carmaker these days.

To recap, the virtual launch event for these new special edition Proton models will take place next week on 18 February at 11AM on the national carmaker’s Facebook page. If you’re interested to learn more about these new models, you can register your interest with Proton
over here
.

Update 15 February, 12PM:
 We’ve updated this article with a new trailer by Proton for the Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition.


Spy Shot: Proton Iriz R3 & Persona Black Edition Arrive at Showrooms

Proton will be unveiling
four new limited edition models
 this Thursday on 18 February, and it appears two of them – the Proton Iriz R3 and Persona Black Edition – have made their way to showrooms already. These images give us a closer look at the soon to be launched models.

These images were first spotted by
Funtasticko on

Facebook
. Out of the two aforementioned models, the Iriz R3 is seen much more extensively. Both the exterior and interior are shown quite a bit, and as previous leaks have indicated, the R3-branded Iriz sports a black and yellow colour scheme, much like the
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
.

Image source:
Facebook
Image source:
Facebook
Image source:
Facebook
Image source:
Facebook

On the outside, the Iriz R3 has yellow streaks across the front grille, side skirts, as well as the lower bumpers on the front and rear. The side mirrors are also finished in yellow, and of course, there’s even an R3 badge on the back of the car, complete with an R3-branded spoiler.

The same black and yellow colour scheme continues in the interior of the Iriz R3. Yellow highlights are found on the air vents, stitching on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, and even the controls for the air-conditioning. There’s also an “R3 Limited Edition” badge on the left side of the dashboard.

As for the Persona Black Edition, only the exterior of the B-segment sedan is seen. As its name suggests, it comes with a black paint job, and if you look closely at the image below, you can even see the Exora Black Edition right behind the Persona.

Image source:
Facebook
Image source:
Facebook

The Proton Iriz R3, Saga R3, Persona Black Edition, and Exora Black Edition will be officially unveiled this Thursday on 18 February at 11AM on
Proton’s Facebook page
. We’ll find out then exactly how much these new models would cost. If you’re keen to get either one of them, you can register your interest
right here
.

Read more:

Proton Saga & Iriz R3 Limited Edition Unveiled – Cosmetic Changes From RM42,300

Proton Persona & Exora Black Edition Official – Only 500 Units, From RM54,700


KBDfans KBD67 Lite Quick Review: The Best Budget Custom Keyboard

Most folks are not keen to get custom mechanical keyboards for the simple fact that these keyboards (usually) cost quite a bit of money, especially in comparison to much more affordable off-the-shelf keyboards. In a bid to appeal to these consumers, more vendors are releasing budget-friendly custom keyboards, including this one right here: the
KBDfans KBD67 Lite
.

Not only is it affordable – well, for a custom keyboard – the KBD67 Lite also has a number of features that are usually reserved for more expensive keyboards. If you want the full custom keyboard experience without breaking the bank, consider the KBD67 Lite.

What It Is

The KBD67 Lite is a budget-oriented custom keyboard kit that costs only $109 – that comes up to about RM440. Of course, you still need switches and keycaps to complete the KBD67 Lite, given that it is only a kit that includes the case, hotswap PCB, and polycarbonate plate.

Now, what makes the KBD67 Lite particularly interesting is the fact that it has a gasket mounting system of sorts, a feature not typically found on a custom keyboard at this price point. It has a sheet of silicone placed between the PCB and plate, which is then mounted to the case. While this is not exactly a “true” gasket mounting system, it’s not inaccurate to describe this as a gasket-mounted keyboard either.

Aside from that, the KBD67 Lite supports screw-in stabilisers as well. Again, this is not a feature you normally find on a budget keyboard like this, which usually uses “less desirable” plate-mounted stabilisers. I’ll elaborate in the following section on the difference between these two types of stabilisers.

The Good Stuff

One of the best qualities of the KBD67 Lite has to be its gasket mounting system. Thanks to this, this custom keyboard has a cleaner, higher-pitched sound signature than keyboards with a different mounting system. Coupled with the polycarbonate plate, the KBD67 Lite offers a typing experience that isn’t as stiff as, say, the
NovelKeys NK65 Entry
, which has an aluminium plate and a modified top mount system.

And then there’s the Cherry screw-in stabilisers of the KBD67 Lite; they feel
very solid
 and free of any rattle right out of the box. This is quite surprising, given that the housings of the stabilisers are not actually lubed – only the wires are lubed. That being said, since the housings are dry, the mod keys do feel “sticky” and scratchy, especially the left shift.

The reason why screw-in stabilisers are preferred over their plate-mounted counterparts is simple: the former is a lot more secure and tight. After all, screw-in stabilisers are actually…well, screwed into the PCB. Plate-mounted stabilisers, on the other hand, merely clip onto the plate, which doesn’t offer the same level of tightness.

Really, while I absolutely enjoyed using my NK65 Entry, its plate-mounted stabilisers still feel more wobbly and not as secure as the screw-in stabilisers of the KBD67 Lite.

Anyway, let’s move on to other positive aspects of the KBD67 Lite, such as its hotswap PCB with south-facing LEDs for the best compatibility with keycaps of various profiles. On top of that, it can be configured with VIA and QMK as well, making it very easy to customise the keys to my liking.

Last but certainly not least is the sheer value for money the KBD67 Lite offers. Not only is it packed with compelling features I’ve mentioned above for only $109, KBDfans even included a carrying case and a coiled cable with the keyboard. Sure, these two accessories are not particularly high quality, but they are more than serviceable.

At this price point, you’d be hard-pressed to find another keyboard kit with a similar feature set, though NovelKeys’ NK65 Entry – even if it uses plate-mounted stabilisers and a different mounting system – does come close.

The Bad Stuff

As with any given keyboard, the KBD67 Lite does have a number of shortcomings; quality control being one of them. As I was assembling my unit, I noticed that one of the switch sockets still had a remnant of the silicone sheet. I had to carefully peel off the silicone with a tweezer in order to install a switch in the socket.

But the biggest negative of the KBD67 Lite has to be the fact that it’s…well, not available for purchase right now. See, I was only able to get a unit of the KBD67 Lite as I joined the
pre-order in late November 2020
, and it remains to be seen exactly when it will be back in stock. Right now, the only way to get the KBD67 Lite is from others who joined the pre-order last year, who are (not surprisingly) charging a premium.

Is It Worth It?

If you can somehow get your hands on the KBDfans KBD67 Lite without paying too much premium over its original asking price, it is absolutely one of the best – if not
the best
 – budget custom keyboards in the market now. My particular unit may have some quality control issues, but it is not a dealbreaker by any means.

After all, you’re getting a gasket mounting system and screw-in stabilisers with the KBD67 Lite for only $109. Once KBDfans manage to get this keyboard kit
back in stock
, I reckon it will sell very, very quickly – it is simply a fantastic budget custom mechanical keyboard with excellent value for money.


Proton Saga & Iriz R3 Limited Edition Unveiled – Cosmetic Changes From RM42,300

Proton just introduced a slew of special edition models, including the Proton Saga R3 and Proton Iriz R3. Despite the fact that these two models carry the national carmaker’s R3 branding, there are no performance upgrades here. Rather, the changes are mostly cosmetic.

The Saga R3 Limited Edition, for one, is almost identical to the
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
 in terms of styling. It sports the same black and yellow colour scheme, though with R3-inspired design elements this time around. Yellow highlights are found across the side skirts, lower bumpers, side mirror caps, and of course, even the grille garnish.

On the inside, the Saga R3 sports the same black and yellow colour scheme. Streaks of yellow are applied to the centre console, air-conditioning vents, instrument cluster, and even the leatherette seats. Beyond these changes, the Saga R3 is identical to the regular Premium model, so it still comes with a 1.3L engine that outputs 95PS and 120Nm of torque paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox.

As for the Iriz R3 – which is also based on the Premium trim – it gets similar styling cues as the Saga R3, though it does feature larger 16-inch alloy wheels finished in dark grey. Unique to the Iriz R3 is also a rear spoiler with the carmaker’s R3 branding for a more aggressive, sporty look.

Beyond that, the Iriz R3 soldiers on with the same 1.6L DOHC engine with 109PS and 150Nm of torque; drive is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you’re wondering, no, this special edition Iriz is not based on the
facelifted model
, which is expected to only arrive later this year.

Given that the Proton Saga R3 and Iriz R3 are limited edition models, very little units are available. The Iriz R3, for one, is limited to only
500 units
, though the Saga R3 is more widely available with 2,000 units offered. Anyway, the Iriz R3 retails at RM53,700, while the Saga R3 goes for RM42,800.

Of course, now that the government’s sales tax exemption for CKD and CBU cars have been
extended to 30 June 2021
, The Iriz R3 and Saga R3 can actually be purchased for RM52,900 and RM42,300 respectively. But given that not a lot of units are available for these two models, we expect them to be sold out very quickly.


Proton Persona & Exora Black Edition Official – Only 500 Units, From RM54,700

Aside from the
Proton Saga R3 and Iriz R3
, the national carmaker also introduced two other special edition models: the Proton Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition. As the name suggests, these two limited edition models are painted in black with some other minor changes here and there.

Let’s start with the Persona Black Edition. Unlike the bright black and yellow colour scheme of the R3-branded Saga and Iriz, this special edition Persona features a more subdued black and dark gold design that extends to the lower bumper, side skirts, and even the 15-inch alloy wheels. Looking at the overall aesthetics of the B-segment sedan, it does look more mature than the sportier appeal of the R3-stylised models.

The interior of the Persona Black Edition has the same black and gold finishes as well. Dark gold accents can be found on the centre console, air-conditioning vents, and even on the stitching of the leatherette seats. This Persona also features a black headliner and dashboard to further emphasise the black colour scheme of the car.

Since the Persona Black Edition is based on the range-topping Premium variant of the regular model, it is still powered by the same engine and transmission. Under the hood of this sedan is a 1.6L engine that produces 107PS and 150Nm of torque, with drive sent to the front wheels via the very same Punch CVT.

As for the Exora Black Edition, same story here. It is finished in the same black and gold colour scheme on the exterior and interior, and Proton is bringing back the rear overhead monitor for this MPV. Mechanically, this special edition Exora soldiers on with the same 1.6L turbocharged engine that offers 140PS and 205Nm of torque paired with a CVT gearbox.

Both the Proton Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition are limited to 500 units each, so without a doubt you’d have to be fast if you want to own either one of these two limited edition models. The Persona retails at RM55,600, while the Exora costs RM 69,800.

But thanks to the
extended sales tax exemption
 for CKD and CBU cars, you can get the Persona Black Edition and Exora Black Edition at RM54,700 and RM67,800 respectively. These prices are only valid until 30 June 2021, but given that there are only 500 units up for grabs each, we reckon these two special edition models will sell out way before that date.


Perodua D55L SUV Open for Booking – Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500

Perodua officially confirmed the existence of its brand new SUV, tentatively called the Perodua D55L. Not only is it open for booking now, Perodua also revealed quite a number of interesting details for the SUV, including its estimated pricing and autonomous driving capability – that’s right, this (relatively) affordable SUV is capable of level 2 autonomous driving.

Available in three variants (X, H, and AV), the D55L is estimated to retail between RM62,500 to RM73,400. If these prices are final, Perodua’s upcoming model will be one of the more affordable SUVs in the market now, and it’s packed with a number of attractive features too.

The Daihatsu Rocky, the SUV the Perodua D55L is based on

One of them is definitely the inclusion of a whole range of safety features. According to Perodua, the D55L comes with a new Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system that is actually available on all variants of the SUV. The new ASA is capable of operating at higher speeds over the current version, and Perodua even said that the system can detect two-wheeled vehicles.

Complementing the ASA system of the D55L are a number of other safety features, including Lane Departure Warning and Prevention (standard on all variants). The range-topping AV model also gets Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. These safety features are enough for the D55L to be capable of level 2 autonomous driving.

“The Perodua D55L AV is Malaysia’s most affordable level 2 autonomous vehicle, bringing state-of-the-art safety and convenience to a wider audience,” said the CEO of Perodua, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Aside from these safety features, the D55L is also Perodua’s first-ever model with a turbocharged engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is said to be capable of returning an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l.  Though the carmaker didn’t reveal the exact capacity of the engine, it’s likely the same 1.0L turbo mill (98PS, 140Nm of torque) powering the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize; the D55L is based on these two models.

Other revealed specifications of the D55L include LED headlights (standard across the range), Adaptive Driving Beam (for the H and AV variants), a 7-inch multi-info display, and a rather large 9-inch touch-enabled infotainment screen with voice recognition.

“As the government’s sales tax exemption is set to expire in end-June, don’t wait to book – our authorised sales advisors are eager to serve you and tell you more about the Perodua D55L at all our sales outlets nationwide,” said Dato’ Zainal. With its competitive pricing and compelling features, we expect a lot of eager consumers would want to get their hands on the D55L.

In fact, the Perodua D55L may even drive some customers away from the
Proton X50
 with its
long wait
, even if both of these SUVs don’t exactly belong in the same class.

Read more:

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks – 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard


Shopee Promises Next-Day Delivery For Most States in Peninsular Malaysia

To ensure its
3.3 Supermarket Sale
 goes on as smoothly as possible, Shopee just introduced next-day delivery for most states in Peninsular Malaysia. If you place your order before 12PM, you can expect to get your order the following day – this is even applicable on weekends.

Unfortunately, this service is not available in four states in Peninsular Malaysia: Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu, and Perlis. On top of that, the next-day delivery is only applicable for purchases on Shopee Mart with the “Next-Day Delivery” tag. Nonetheless, it’s certainly a good service most folks will find useful, especially during the ongoing MCO in Selangor, KL, Penang, and Johor.

As mentioned, deliveries will be made on weekends as well, but you do have to place your order before 12PM to be eligible for next-day delivery. In the event that you didn’t get your order the following day, you will receive a free shipping voucher to be used on your next Shopee Mart purchase – not a bad compensation at all.

To learn more about Shopee’s 3.3 Supermarket Sale, head on to Shopee’s official page for the sale
right here
.


NovelKeys NK87 Custom TKL Keyboard Will Cost $265 – Unlimited Pre-Orders

NovelKeys just revealed the more information on its upcoming custom mechanical keyboard, the
NK87 Aluminium Edition
. Set to retail at $265 – that comes up to about RM1,070 – the custom TKL keyboard will enter unlimited pre-order towards the end of this month.

Unfortunately, that’s all the information that was revealed by NovelKeys on the NK87, though the vendor did say that it is “almost ready to show all of this (the NK87) off.” However, given that the keyboard will enter unlimited pre-order first, expect the NK87 to only ship a few months after pre-orders are closed, though this is only an educated guess.

So far, we do know that the NK87 will be offered in a number of colours. These include blue, black, white, beige, and even a bright yellow colour option, which looks very striking. It will also come with an aluminium case, a top-mount system, a textured finish akin to that of “older cameras” – seemingly only for certain colour options – and it will be largely similar to the
NK65
, but with improved acoustics for a better sound signature.

Expect to learn more about the NovelKeys NK87 Aluminium Edition by the end of this month. For $265, it’s a reasonably affordable custom TKL keyboard.


20 – 26 February Fuel Price: Petrol up 4 Sen

Petrol prices are going up for the next seven days folks. Both RON 95 and RON 97 are up by 4 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel remains unchanged. If you need to be out and about during MCO – depending on where you where – consider fueling up tonight.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM2.00 per litre (up from RM1.96) and RON 97 to RM2.30 per litre (RM2.26 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre this coming week.

These prices will be in effect from 20 to 26 February next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks – 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard

Not long after Perodua
opened bookings for the D55L SUV
, the brochure of the new model started circulating online, confirming the name of the SUV. Dubbed Perodua Ativa, the leaked brochure also revealed a number of the SUV’s key specifications, including its engine capacity and safety equipment.

Just as we expected, the Ativa will feature a 1.0L turbocharged engine that should be similar to the one found under the hood of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize, which are the two models the Ativa is based on. If this is the case, the 1.0L turbo engine will output 98PS and 140Nm of torque.

Paired with a CVT gearbox, Perodua claims that the Ativa will be able to return an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l. Besides that, the design of the LED headlights – standard across the range, by the way – and the 17-inch alloy wheels were pictured in the brochure as well.

Another interesting feature the leaked Ativa brochure detailed are the safety features found on the SUV. Unlike, say, the
Proton X50
,
all variants
 of Perodua’s new SUV come with AEB
and
 six airbags as standard. On top of that, it’s worth noting that the Ativa’s AEB feature – as part of Perodua’s new version of ASA – will work at higher operating speeds compared to the carmaker’s ASA system on its other models (like the
Myvi
) at the moment.

Looking at these features and equipment, the Perodua Ativa is shaping up to be a very interesting SUV. This is especially with its estimated pricing in mind, which is said to be between RM62,500 to RM73,400. If you’re keen to get this compact SUV, you may want to place your booking as soon as possible, given that the current sales tax exemption
will end on 30 June 2021
.


Perodua Ativa D55L GearUp Accessories Revealed – RM2,500 for Bodykit

More details on the brand new
Perodua Ativa

D55L SUV
 have come to light. This time around, it’s the optional GearUp accessory package for the upcoming model, which includes a bodykit, seat cover, floor lighting, and a range of other accessories to spice up the looks of the Ativa.

The folks over at
Funtasticko
 managed to get these details on the GearUp accessories for the Ativa. On top of that, the prices of the accessories for Peninsular and East Malaysia were revealed too. The “Blaze” bodykit, for one, costs RM2,500 for Peninsular Malaysia, or RM2,563 for East Malaysia.

Aside from that, there are also the Blaze seat covers, rear bumper protector, LED scuff plates, floor lighting, luggage net, and even hood insulator. Last but not least is the utility package, which offers door visors, a luggage try, and coil mats for RM360 (Peninsular Malaysia) or RM368 (East Malaysia). All in all, a fair bit of accessories for the Ativa.

As for how these accessories will look on the Ativa itself, we will have to wait for Perodua to reveal more. After all, the carmaker hasn’t even shown off the final design of the SUV, though it should still look similar to the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize – the Ativa is based on these two SUVs, after all.

The Daihatsu Rocky

The Perodua Ativa D55L is now available for booking with an estimated pricing between RM62,500 to RM73,400. Check out our previous articles below to learn more about Perodua’s upcoming SUV.

Read more:

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks – 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Open for Booking – Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500


KBDfans’ KBD67 Lite R2 Pre-Orders Open March 2021 – Now With Bluetooth & More Colours

KBDfans just revealed the second round of pre-orders for the excellent
KBD67 Lite
 budget custom keyboard, and it features a number of improvements. Not only does it come with Bluetooth support now, it will also be offered in a range of new colours, including a bright green shade.

That’s right, there will be a Bluetooth option for this second version of the KBD67 Lite, which will appeal to folks that don’t fancy a wired keyboard. However, a battery is not provided with this model; you will need to purchase this separately for the keyboard to work.

The first KBD67 Lite

Perhaps in the interest of battery life, the Bluetooth version of the KBD67 Lite won’t feature RGB lighting. It’s also not configurable with VIA or QMK, though it
can
 still be programmed with a software called TMK. Aside from that, this revision of the KBD67 Lite won’t be pre-assembled either, but KBDfans does say that this will allow the vendor to ship the keyboard faster.

Other changes to the second version of the KBD67 Lite include the use of KBDfans’ own screw-in stabilisers instead of Cherry-branded ones, an injection-molded polycarbonate plate (the previous model uses CNC plate), as well as three new colour options: green, grey, and pink. The former is translucent, while the latter two are solid colours.

The second round of pre-orders for the KBDfans KBD67 Lite will be opened sometime in March 2021 next month
right here.
 Prices have not been revealed yet, though it’s safe to assume the Bluetooth version will cost more than the wired one. If you’d like to learn more about this budget-friendly custom keyboard, check out our
review of the first KBD67 Lite
.


Deal: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick Now Going for RM129

Available here in Malaysia back in August 2020, the
Xiaomi Mi TV Stick
 is now more affordable than ever. Previously retailing at RM149, you can currently get this budget-friendly streaming device
for only RM129
.

Granted, a RM20 price difference isn’t awfully big, but you do get a capable streaming device for that kind of money. This listing of the Mi TV Stick is also by Xiaomi’s official store on Shopee, so rest assured, it is a legitimate offer with local Malaysian warranty.

Really, for RM129, the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a great buy to basically transform any display with an HDMI input to a smart display. You also get a Bluetooth remote with the TV Stick, but do keep in mind that it can only stream content at 1080p.


Huawei Mate X2 Official With Inward-Folding Screen & 18,999 Yuan Price Tag

Huawei just unveiled its third foldable smartphone, the Huawei Mate X2. Sporting a brand new inward-folding screen design akin to the
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
, the Mate X2 now features two displays instead of only one, along with a number of other notable improvements.

Let’s start with the Mate X2’s two new screens. The primary internal screen is an 8-inch 2480 x 2200 OLED panel free of any cutout for a camera, while the exterior display is a 6.45-inch 2700 x 1160 OLED screen with an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout for the 16MP selfie camera. On top of that, both displays have a refresh rate of 90Hz as well; fast enough for a fluid user experience.

Internally, the Mate X2 is powered by Huawei’s very own Kirin 9000 chipset, the very same processor found under the hood of the
Mate 40 Pro
. It also has 8GB of RAM, a 4,400mAh battery with 55W fast charging, and it runs on EMUI 11 based on Android 10. However, the company mentioned that the phone will be updated to Huawei’s own operating system, HarmonyOS, sometime in April 2021.

In the camera department, the Mate X2 features a quad camera system made up of a 50MP f/1.9 primary shooter, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle lens, a 12MP f/2.4 telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and another 8MP f/4.4 “SuperZoom” telephoto camera that can do 10x optical zoom. All in all, quite a sophisticated camera configuration.

The Huawei Mate X2 is available in two variants: the 256GB model retails at 17,999 Chinese yuan (about RM11,265), while the 512GB version costs 18,999 yuan (approximately RM11,885). It will be available for purchase in China on 25 February, though it remains to be seen if it will also be released in other markets.


The Fantastic Ikki68 Aurora Budget Custom Keyboard Available for Pre-Order Tonight

Quite a number of
budget-friendly custom

mechanical keyboards
 have made it onto the market in recent times, but Wuque Studio’s Ikki68 Aurora
may just
 be the most promising one yet. If you’re looking to get into the custom keyboard scene without spending too much, you may want to pre-order this keyboard tonight.

So what’s so interesting about the Ikki68 Aurora? Well, for one, it is a gasket-mounted custom keyboard with a modular twist. Wuque Studio calls it a “variable gasket mount system,” which gives users the option to install (or omit) four “chips” to change the sound profile and typing feel of the keyboard.

If you want a more muted, firmer typing experience, you can install all four of the chips into the Ikki68 Aurora. If you prefer a bouncier, softer typing experience instead, you can remove these chips accordingly. It’s a pretty smart implementation that’s not found on other custom keyboards, especially at this price point.

Aside from its gasket mounting system, the Ikki68 Aurora also supports multiple layouts
despite the fact
that it has a hotswap PCB. The different layouts include split backspace, split right shift, split left shift, split spacebars, as well as ISO enter. Hotswap keyboards usually have a fixed layout, so the Ikki68 Aurora’s multiple layout support is definitely a unique feature.

Another attractive feature of the Ikki68 Aurora has to be its optional Bluetooth support; a feature not typically found on the majority of custom keyboards, believe it or not. However, while the wired model of the Ikki68 supports VIA and QMK, the Bluetooth version does not. Instead, it uses a custom software, and you’ll need to get a separate battery for the keyboard as well, much like the
Bluetooth version
 of KBDfans’
KBD67 Lite
.

Other specifications of the Ikki68 Aurora include a polycarbonate case, an aluminium plate, support for screw-in stabilisers, underglow RGB lighting, and it even comes bundled with a storage case and coiled cable. But just like any other keyboard kit, the Ikki68 does not come with switches or keycaps; certain colourways of the keyboard don’t come with stabilisers either.

Now, how much does the Ikki68 cost? Four different colours of the keyboard are offered: the Mint and Charcoal models cost $129 (about RM520) or $155 (approximately RM625) for the Bluetooth model, while the more limited Aurora x Mizu and Aurora x Devoted variants cost $159 (around RM640) and $195 (about RM790) respectively.

The price difference between these four models is due to several factors. The Charcoal and Mint Ikki68 Aurora do not come with stabilisers, while the Mizu and Devoted models do. The Devoted is also bundled with 75 tactile switches manufactured by JWK, which drives up the price of the keyboard even further.

As mentioned, the Mizu and Devoted models of the Ikki68 Aurora are also limited colourways; the former is only offered in 1,000 units, while the Devoted version is even more limited at only 500 units.

Even though Wuque Studio’s Ikki68 Aurora is not the most affordable budget-oriented custom mechanical keyboard, its modularity and attractive features make it a very compelling product. More details on the Ikki68 Aurora can be found
right here
, along with the list of vendors that will have pre-orders for the keyboard.

If you’re here in Malaysia, you can place your pre-order of the Ikki68 Aurora from Singapore-based vendor
Hex Keyboards
 this midnight at 12AM. Alternatively, you can also pre-order the keyboard directly from
Wuque Studio
 the next day at 12AM on 25 February.


Samsung Galaxy S21 Series Now Starts at RM3,499 in Malaysia

The
Samsung Galaxy

S21 series
 was notably
more expensive
 than its predecessor when it was launched here in Malaysia last month. But that changes today: now starting at RM3,499, the S21 series is finally more affordable than the S20 smartphones (at launch) in our local market.

This is because Samsung Malaysia has brought in the more affordable 128GB variants of the S21 smartphones. The standard Galaxy S21 now starts at RM3,499, while the Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21 Ultra retail from RM3,999 and RM4,999 respectively.

However, do note that only one colour option is offered for these 128GB models. The S21 with 128GB of storage is available in the sole Phantom Grey colour, Phantom Violet for the S21+, and Phantom Black for the S21 Ultra.

Although the price difference for these new 128GB Galaxy S21 models are not particularly big compared to the 256GB variants, you do get excellent flagship smartphones for that kind of money. We’ve reviewed both the standard
Galaxy S21
 and range-topping
Galaxy S21 Ultra
, and overall, we’re impressed with the feature set of both devices, especially the compact form factor of the regular S21.

As for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, given that it is the range-topping model of the series, it features the most sophisticated camera system that is able to do up to 100x Space Zoom. We have
reviewed the camera performance extensively
, and suffice to say it is Samsung’s best camera system to date.

To recap, the Samsung Galaxy S21 series now starts at only RM3,499 here in Malaysia for the standard Galaxy S21. The S21+ and S21 Ultra, on the other hand, retail from RM3,999 and RM4,999 respectively.


Perodua Ativa D55L Launching Next Week on 3 March

Opened for booking
just last week
, the brand new
Perodua Ativa
 is set to be launched here in Malaysia next week on 3 March. Evidently, the carmaker isn’t waiting very long to unveil its upcoming compact SUV – based on the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize – to Malaysians.

One of the most exciting features of the Ativa is its range of safety features. According to Perodua, the D55L comes with a new Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system that is available on all three variants (X, H, and AV) of the SUV. The new ASA is capable of operating at higher speeds over the current version, and Perodua even said that the system can detect two-wheeled vehicles.

The Daihatsu Rocky

Under the hood of the Ativa is a 1.0L turbocharged engine that should be similar to the one found under the hood of the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize, which are the two models the Ativa is based on. If this is the case, the 1.0L turbo engine will output 98PS and 140Nm of torque.

Other specifications of the Ativa include a CVT gearbox, an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l, LED headlights – standard across the range – 17-inch alloy wheels, and even level 2 autonomous driving for the range-topping AV model. This variant features Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Perodua Ativa D55L will be launched here in Malaysia next week on 3 March. With an estimated pricing between RM62,500 to RM73,400, it’s quite a competitively priced compact SUV; it’ll be interesting to see exactly how many bookings have already been placed for the Ativa.

Read more:

Perodua Ativa D55L GearUp Accessories Revealed – RM2,500 for Bodykit

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks – 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Open for Booking – Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500


Video: KBDfans KBD67 Lite Review

We’ve reviewed KBDfan’s excellent
KBD67 Lite
, but if you’ve been waiting for the typing sound test, here it is. Sporting a gasket mounting system, screw-in stabilisers, and a budget-friendly price tag, this is one keyboard to look out for those who are new to the custom mechanical keyboard scene.

As we’ve mentioned in our review, the KBD67 Lite is really one of the best budget custom keyboards in the market now. It provides a softer, “bouncier” typing experience than the
NovelKeys NK65 Entry
 – thanks to its gasket mounting system – and the KBD67 Lite’s screw-in stabilisers are much more secure and tight than the NK65’s plate-mounted stabilisers.

However, even though the KBD67 Lite is one of the best budget custom keyboards right now, it’s a hotly contested segment with more competition arriving later this year, such as Wuque Studio’s
very promising Ikki68 Aurora
. We’ve pre-ordered that keyboard, and we can’t wait to see how it compares to the KBD67 Lite.

If you’re keen to get the KBD67 Lite, watch out for the
second round of pre-orders
 sometime next month in March 2021.


Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Quick Review: Excellent Water-Resistant Earbuds With ANC

Wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation have really taken off in the past couple of years, and it can be a little overwhelming to decide on which particular earbud will serve your needs the best. Well, if you want a pair of water-resistant earbuds with good audio quality and noise cancellation, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro.

Retailing at RM799, the Galaxy Buds Pro is not awfully expensive either. In fact, taking into account its feature set, you’re
actually
getting a lot of value for your money here. Not quite convinced? Then keep on reading this review.

What It Is

The Galaxy Buds Pro takes some design cues from last year’s
Galaxy Buds Live
, but instead of an open-air design, the Pro model has an in-ear design for a more secure fit and better noise cancellation. Aside from that, the Buds Pro – again, which goes for RM799 – is also priced quite closely to the RM699 Buds Live.

On top of that, the Galaxy Buds Pro is also IPX7 water-resistant, which allows it to be submerged up to 1m of fresh water for 30 minutes. Basically, you can use these earbuds for your workouts with no issue at all. Not many wireless earbuds have an IPX7 certification, which definitely gives the Buds Pro an edge in this regard.

In terms of battery life, Samsung says that the Galaxy Buds Pro can last up to five hours on a single charge, while the charging case can provide an additional 13 hours of use. With ANC switched off, the battery life can be stretched up to eight hours for the earbuds, and 20 hours more with the charging case.

But can the Buds Pro really deliver this level of battery life? I’ll get to that further down this review.

The Good Stuff

The fact that the Galaxy Buds Pro is IPX7 water-resistant is what I personally consider to be these earbuds’ best feature. As I’ve mentioned, not many wireless earbuds have this certification, and it’s amazing to know that I can put on the Buds Pro and start working out (and wash it afterwards) without worrying that I’ll damage it.

Audio quality of the Galaxy Buds Pro is good as well. It is able to separate the different instruments in the guitar solo of Eagles’ Hotel California very well, and it has reasonably punchy bass as well. If you want even better bass response, you can set the equalizer to “bass boost.”

The active noise cancellation of the Galaxy Buds Pro is quite good as well. While it’s not quite on the same level as the
Sony WF-1000XM3
, it can still filter out ambient noise effectively. With ANC activated and my favourite tunes playing, the outside world simply disappears.

Comfort is also a strong point for the Galaxy Buds Pro. It’s easy to get a good, snug fit with these earbuds, and they’re quite lightweight as well. Three different sizes of silicone ear tips are also provided with the Buds Pro, so you should have no issue to get the right fit.

Another feature of the Galaxy Buds Pro that I absolutely love is the “voice detect” feature. When I start speaking, the Buds Pro will automatically let in ambient noise so that I can have a conversation. It’s similar to the “Speak-to-Chat” feature on the
Sony WH-1000XM4
, but that’s a pair of wireless headphones – not many earbuds offer this very convenient feature.

The Bad Stuff

Even though the Galaxy Buds Pro has a lot going for it, there are a number of shortcomings that are worth pointing out. For one, it is…surprisingly tricky to put on, no thanks to the slippery glossy finish of the earbuds. I even dropped them more times that I care to admit.

Battery life of the Galaxy Buds Pro isn’t particularly long either. While I did get close to Samsung’s quoted battery life of five hours, its competition offers far longer battery life. For what it’s worth, about five hours of use on a single charge is completely acceptable to me, but just know that other earbuds can provide better battery life.

Last but certainly not least is the finnicky touch controls of the Galaxy Buds Pro. Even when I’m just adjusting the fit of the earbuds, the Buds Pro would register it as a touch, pausing my music playback in the process. Granted, I can disable touch controls altogether within the app, but it would’ve been even better if there’s a way to adjust the sensitivity of the touch controls instead.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For RM799, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro undercuts its competition while offering more features for the money. Not only is it IPX7 water-resistant – yes, I really think this is the Buds Pro’s best feature – it also has convenient features like voice detect, which is not offered by any other earbuds in the market now.

Again, the fact that the Galaxy Buds Pro offers all of these features for RM799 make it a very good buy, in my opinion. Samsung’s got a real winner here with the Buds Pro, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone that wants a pair of water-resistant wireless earbuds with good audio quality and active noise cancellation.


Xiaomi Mi 11 Is the First Snapdragon 888 Phone in Malaysia – Starts at RM2,799

We spotted the
Xiaomi Mi 11
 in SIRIM’s database
last month
, and it has finally landed in Malaysia yesterday. Not only is it the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 smartphone to be sold here, the Mi 11 also features some high-end hardware, though they do come at a price.

Two variants of the Mi 11 are available in Malaysia. The 128GB model retails at RM2,799, while the more generous 256GB configuration costs RM2,999. Both variants of the phone feature 8GB of RAM, and three colour options are available: Midnight Grey, Horizon Blue, and Cloud White; the latter will only be offered at a later date.

Without a doubt the Mi 11 is Xiaomi’s most expensive mainstream flagship phone yet, but you do get some high-end hardware for that kind of money. The Snapdragon 888 chipset powering the phone, for one, is more power-efficient than its predecessor, thanks to its 5nm size. It also promises up to 25% and 35% better CPU and GPU performance respectively.

Other specifications of the Mi 11 include a 6.81-inch 1440p curved AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (108MP f/1.85 primary + 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle + 5MP f/2.4 telemacro), a 20MP f/2.4 front-facing camera, a 4,600mAh battery, as well as an in-screen fingerprint sensor that can even measure heart rate.

The Xiaomi Mi 11 is now open for pre-order in Malaysia, but this is only for the
256GB model that costs RM2,999
. The slightly more affordable 128GB variant (RM2,799), on the other hand, will only be sold here at a later date.


Honda Malaysia Giving Away 7 Special Edition Cars to Celebrate 1 Million Units Sold

Honda Malaysia just achieved a new milestone: it has sold over 1 million cars right here in Malaysia. To celebrate this occasion, the carmaker is giving away seven special edition models, which include the
all-new City
, Jazz,
Civic
, HR-V, CR-V, BR-V, and the
Accord
.

These special edition models all have slight cosmetic changes here and there with red highlights, dual tone exterior, and even black painted alloy wheels with red accents. Every one of the seven special edition models also feature a “1 Million Dreams Signature Emblem” on the front fenders of the cars.

On the inside, the one-of-a-kind models also have “1 Million Dreams” embossed on the headrest, along with red stitching on the steering wheels.

In order to be in the running to win these special edition Honda models, you actually have a number of options. Honda is collaborating with a number of brands for this contest, including
Shopee
,
Watsons
, and
Cuckoo
; each of them have their own mechanics for the campaign. Honda is even allocating one of the cars exclusively to frontliners to be won in this contest to show its appreciation to them.

As for Honda itself, you can get entries by performing a number of activities. These include downloading and signing up for the HondaTouch app, or by playing the 1 Million Dreams Game on
Honda Malaysia’s website
. Test driving, booking, servicing, or registering a Honda car by 24 March 2021 also gets you different amounts of entries.

More information on Honda’s 1 Million Dreams campaign can be found
right here
. You can also submit your entries with the carmaker
here
.


27 February – 3 March Fuel Price: Petrol up 5 Sen

Petrol prices are going up yet again folks. Both RON 95 and RON 97 are up by 5 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel still remains unchanged. If you need to be out and about during MCO – depending on where you where – consider fueling up tonight.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM2.05 per litre (up from RM2.00) and RON 97 to RM2.35 per litre (RM2.30 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre this coming week.

These prices will be in effect from 27 February to 3 March next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday now, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Final Fantasy VII Remake Is Free Next Month for PlayStation Plus Members

This is a big one: PlayStation just revealed the PlayStation Plus free games for the month of March 2021, which includes the much loved
Final Fantasy VII Remake
. It’s an exciting announcement, given that it hasn’t even been a year since the game was launched on the PlayStation 4.

Gamers with an active PlayStation Plus membership can claim Final Fantasy VII Remake from 2 March until 5 April. Just like any other free games offered to PlayStation Plus members, as long as you have an active subscription, the game will be yours to keep.

However, those who redeemed this version of Final Fantasy VII Remake as part of the PlayStation Plus benefit will not be eligible for the free upgrade to the PS5 version, which is releasing on 10 June 2021. Understandably, the complimentary upgrade to the improved PS5 version is only reserved for gamers that actually bought the game.

Anyway, joining Final Fantasy VII Remake as part of PlayStation Plus’ March 2021 free games include Knack 2, Farpoint (VR), as well as the PS5 version of Maquette.


Spy Shot: Perodua Ativa D55L Arriving at Showroom!

This is it: we finally have our first glance at the upcoming
Perodua Ativa D55L
, thanks to a series of spy shots of the new SUV arriving at a showroom. While the Ativa largely resembles the Daihatsu Rocky – which it is based on – there are some minor differences here and there.

These spy shots of the Ativa were shared by
RiderAth
. At a glance, the SUV does look similar to the Rocky, but the Ativa has a noticeably larger grille with a different design. The rear of the Perodua SUV has a different, more aggressive-looking lower bumper as well.

Image source:
RiderAth
The Daihatsu Rocky

Given that the Ativa is set to be launched
next week on 3 March
, it’s no surprise that the SUV is arriving at showrooms already. One of the main highlights of the Ativa is its new Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) system that is available on all three variants (X, H, and AV) of the SUV. The new ASA is capable of operating at higher speeds over the current version, and Perodua even said that the system can detect two-wheeled vehicles.

Aside from that, under the hood of the Ativa is a 1.0L turbocharged engine that should be similar to the one powering the Rocky, which does 98PS and 140Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT gearbox, the Ativa has an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l, though it’ll be interesting to see if it can really achieve this figure in real life usage.

This SUV also has LED headlights – standard across the range – 17-inch alloy wheels, and even level 2 autonomous driving for the range-topping AV model. This variant features Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The Perodua Ativa D55L SUV is set to make its debut next week on 3 March. We’ll find out then if its estimated pricing between RM62,500 to RM73,400 are the final prices.


Hu Tao Finally Confirmed – Arriving in Genshin Impact Soon?

If you’re an avid
Genshin Impact
 player, there’s a good chance you might have heard about Hu Tao. Well, Mihoyo has finally confirmed the existence of the character with a number of other key details, which goes into her background as the 77th director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, as well as her unique abilities.

Though Mihoyo has not revealed exactly when Hu Tao will be added to Genshin Impact, the developer did confirm that she is a Pyro character that wields a polearm. She is also said to be a burst damage dealer that consumes her own HP to increase her damage; quite a unique playstyle.

Her Elemental Skill (Guide to Afterlife), consumes part of her HP and knocks back nearby enemies. She also enters the “Paramita Papilio” state after using this skill, increasing her attack based on her max HP and imbues her polearm with Pyro damage. Hu Tao can even apply the “Blood Blossom” effect to enemies hit by her charged attack in this state, which deals Pyro damage every four seconds.

While Hu Tao’s Elemental Skill consumes her HP, her Elemental Burst (Spirit Soother) does the opposite. Once activated, Spirit Soother deals Pyro damage in a large AoE, and striking enemies with the skill regenerates a percentage of her max HP. This effect can be triggered up to five times based on the number of enemies hit, and if Hu Tao’s HP is below or equal to 50% when the enemy is hit, the damage and HP regeneration of Spirit Soother are increased too.

Evidently, the
Staff of Homa
 – which grants attack bonus when the wielder’s health is below 50% – in the current weapon banner is made for Hu Tao.

Now that Mihoyo has released these details on Hu Tao, we reckon it’s only a matter of time before we get more information on her character banner and her exact release date. If we were to take a wild guess, there’s a good chance Hu Tao will replace Keqing’s banner, which is set to end on 2 March next week.


Hu Tao Banner Coming to Genshin Impact on 2 March – Joined by Xingqiu, Chongyun & Xiangling

Just yesterday, Mihoyo revealed some
key details on Hu Tao
, and the developer confirmed today exactly when the 5-star character will be added to Genshin Impact. Her banner will go live this coming Tuesday on 2 March, and she will be joined by Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Xiangling.

Just like Genshin Impact’s
previous character

event banners
, the “drop rate” of Hu Tao, Xingqiu, Chongyun, and Xiangling 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, you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed chance to get Hu Tao.

Same goes for the 4-star characters, but given that there are three of them featured in the event banner, it’s a little bit more random. Basically, when you’re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Xingqiu, Chongyun, or Xiangling. If you’re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will likely have to roll a good number of times.

Besides the new banner, the story quest for Hu Tao, Papilio Charontis Chapter, will also be added to Genshin Impact on 2 March. Completing the story quest will reward players with Primogems, adventure experience, and a number of other rewards. However, to unlock the story quest, you’d have to be at least Adventure Rank 40; you’re also required to complete the Archon Quest “Farewell, Archaic Lord.”

To recap, Hu Tao’s Moment of Bloom banner will be released this Tuesday on 2 March. For us here in Malaysia, the banner will go live at 6PM alongside Hu Tao’s Papilio Charontis Chapter story quest.


Get More Primogems in Genshin Impact’s New Daily Check-In Event

Mihoyo is rewarding players with more Primogems through a new daily check-in event on
Genshin Impact
‘s forum, Hoyolab. Aside from a set number of Primogems, the daily check-in rewards also include experience books, Mora, and enhancement ores.

In order to join this daily check-in event, you will need to login to
Hoyolab
 with your Genshin Impact credentials. Once you’ve done that, you can head on to the
daily check-in page
 to start claiming your rewards every day. You will also get 100 Primogems and 10,000 Mora the first time you log into the check-in page.

Of course, it can be troublesome to visit the check-in page every day to claim your rewards. But if you do forget to log in on certain days, you can still get a total of 60 Primogems by checking in (at the very least) 21 times. Do note that the rewards and check-in progress are reset on the 1st of every month.

Aside from that, Mihoyo also updated the Battle Chronicle feature in Hoyolab. Basically, Battle Chronicle lists out a number of your in-game statistics, including the characters that you own. With the new update, the Battle Chronicle can now also show your characters’ artifact set, equipped weapons, and even unlocked constellations.

More information on the new Genshin Impact daily check-in event can be found over
here
. Don’t forget to claim your 100 Primogems and 10,000 Mora on the
daily check-in page
!


Spy Shot: Perodua Ativa With Aggressive GearUp Kit Spotted

As we approach the
Perodua Ativa
‘s official launch this coming Wednesday on 3 March, more images of the upcoming compact SUV have circulated online. This time around, we have an even closer look at the Ativa, complete with the optional GearUp kit.

These images of the Ativa were posted on the Facebook group
Ativa Club Malaysia
; the GearUp branding can be clearly seen on the rear and front lower bumpers. Compared to
previous spy shots of the Ativa
 without the bodykit, the GearUp kit does give the SUV a more aggressive look. There’s even a shot of the interior showing off the floating infotainment screen.

We previously wrote about the
GearUp accessories available for the Ativa
, and chances are, the kit seen here is the “Blaze” bodykit, which costs RM2,500. Other GearUp accessories for the SUV include Blaze seat covers, rear bumper protector, LED scuff plates, floor lighting, luggage net, and even hood insulator.

Aside from these GearUp accessories, there’s also the utility package. It offers door visors, a luggage try, and coil mats for RM360 (Peninsular Malaysia) or RM368 (East Malaysia). All in all, Perodua is offering a fair bit of accessories for the Ativa.

Image source:
Funtasticko

The Perodua Ativa is open for booking here in Malaysia right now, and it will be launched this Wednesday on 3 March. With an estimated pricing between RM62,500 to RM73,400, it’s a competitively priced SUV with some attractive features, including level 2 autonomous driving.

Read more:

Spy Shot: Perodua Ativa D55L Arriving at Showroom!

Perodua Ativa D55L GearUp Accessories Revealed – RM2,500 for Bodykit

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Brochure Leaks – 1.0L Turbo Engine & AEB as Standard

Perodua Ativa D55L SUV Open for Booking – Level 2 Autonomous, Turbo Engine, From RM62,500


PlayStation 5 Restock Happening on Shopee Soon

The
PlayStation 5
is getting restocked more frequently in recent times. If you missed the recent Malaysian restocks, then set your alarm for 12PM on 3 March: the next generation console will be available for purchase on Shopee then.

This deal is offered by
Sony Brand Store on Shopee
, which is operated by Sony Centre Sunway Pyramid; it is not handled by Sony Malaysia itself. Anyway, both the standard PS5 and Digital Edition of the console will be offered on 3 March, which retail at RM2,299 and RM1,869 respectively.

As with every restock of the PlayStation 5, limited units are available, though we don’t know exactly how many are up for grabs. Head on to the product listing
right here
 if you want to try your luck at 12PM on 3 March this Wednesday. In the meantime, check out our
unboxing of the PS5
.


3,345 Proton X50 Delivered in February 2021 With 8,141 Bookings Fulfilled

Great news for those who are waiting to get their
Proton X50
; the national carmaker seems to have ramped up production of the hugely popular B-segment SUV quite a bit. With over 3,345 units delivered in February 2021 last month – the highest monthly figure yet – as many as 8,141 bookings of the X50 have been fulfilled.

While it’s great to see Proton finally producing more units of the X50, it still has some ways to go to fulfill all outstanding orders of the SUV; yours truly is still waiting to get an allocation for the Flagship model. On top of that, last year alone, over 30,000 bookings were placed for the X50. Hopefully, the production of the SUV will continue to improve over the next few months to meet consumer demand.

Anyway, with 3,345 units of the X50 delivered in February 2021, this is the highest monthly sale ever achieved by an SUV in Malaysia. So not only is the X50 the best-selling SUV in its segment, it also dominates the whole local SUV market last month; that’s quite an achievement.

Proton further added that it delivered 1,475 units of the Proton X70 in February 2021, which brings the total number of SUVs delivered by the carmaker to 4,820 units last month alone. Proton mentioned that this is the highest amount of SUV sold (in a month) for any car brand in the country.

“Thanks to the efforts of the government to ensure a continuation of economic activity during the MCO, we were able to produce more cars and in so doing started to clear our backlog of orders. This is important as we need to consistently deliver on the bookings made to avoid a rush before the PENJANA incentives expire at the end of June this year,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.

If you’re like me, who have placed a booking for the Proton X50 on day one (16 September), there’s a good chance we will be taking delivery of the B-segment SUV very, very soon. The high amount of units delivered last month certainly looks promising.


Proton Acknowledges Issues With Aftersales Service – Revamp in Progress

While Proton’s product quality and brand image have improved immensely over the past few years – especially with the launch of the
Proton X50
 and
Proton X70
 – its aftersales service didn’t quite see the same level of improvement. In light of this, the national carmaker announced that it is in the process of revamping its aftersales service.

“Proton admits that some aspects of our business have not been able to keep up with our recent successes. While we have dramatically moved forwards in product quality, brand image, and the technology offered in our cars, our aftersales service has not made the same leap,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah.

“This situation was exacerbated in 2020 by firstly Covid-19 and then our decision to invest in a completely new back-end ordering and delivery system,” he added.

However, as mentioned, Proton is taking necessary steps to improve its aftersales service. Roslan further elaborated that “we (Proton) are working on these issues around the clock to overcome them in the shortest time possible.”

For what it’s worth, I just got my own 2014 Proton Iriz serviced at a Proton 4S facility, and I did not face any issue with part shortages. Of course, I’m sure there are folks that have a completely different experience, but it’s important to note that Proton’s aftersales service is not all bad.

Anyway, if you are facing delays with regular servicing or accident repairs for your Proton car, you can get in touch with Proton’s customer care hotline at 1-800-88-8398.


Genshin Impact 1.4 Update Raises Condensed Resin Cap & Allows Players to Lower World Level

Mihoyo just revealed new changes that will be coming to Version 1.4 of
Genshin Impact
. Not only will the amount of Condensed Resin you can keep in your inventory will be increased from the current limitation of three units, you can even lower your world level if you’re having difficulty clearing content.

These changes coming to Version 1.4 of Genshin Impact were detailed by Mihoyo in the latest
Developers’ Discussion
. Though it was confirmed that the Condensed Resin cap will be increased in Version 1.4, the exact amount has not been revealed yet. The mechanic to lower world level was not detailed either, oddly enough.

Instead, Mihoyo said that these changes will be discussed in detail during the upcoming Version 1.4 Sneak Peek Livestream, which (unfortunately) does not have a date yet. Nonetheless, these two changes alone will certainly make a lot of Genshin Impact players happy.

Other changes coming to Genshin Impact in the Version 1.4 update include an improved weapon upgrade system – more slots could be added for the weapon upgrade materials – the ability to
finally
use the Crafting Bench in co-op mode, and if you’ve hit the maximum Adventure Rank (which is currently capped at 60), excess Adventure experience earned will be converted to Mora.

Now that Mihoyo is revealing some of the changes that are coming to Genshin Impact in the new update, we imagine the Version 1.4 Sneak Peek Livestream will be happening very soon. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on exactly when the livestream will take place!


New Fuel Prices Now Announced Every Wednesday – Prices Unchanged Until 10 March

Now this is quite a change. From this week onwards, new fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday instead of Friday. Good news this week: the prices of RON 95, RON 97, and diesel remain unchanged until 10 March next week.

To recap, the price of RON 95 remains the same at RM2.05 per litre, while RON 97 costs RM2.35 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre until 10 March next week. It’s worth noting that RON 95 and diesel have reached their respective price ceilings, so these prices will not go up any further.

Anyway, these prices will be in effect from 4 to 10 March next week. As mentioned, new fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday now, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Video: NovelKeys NK65 Entry vs. KBDfans KBD67 Lite

If you’re looking for a budget custom mechanical keyboard, there’s a good chance you’ve seen these two keyboard kits: NovelKeys’
NK65 Entry
 and KBDfans’
KBD67 Lite
. If you’re wondering which of the two keyboards is better, watch our comparison video!

We compare the NK65 Entry and KBD67 Lite in four major aspects: typing feel, sound profile, build quality, and value for money. Depending on what you look for in a custom mechanical keyboard, you may prefer one over the other; both of these budget-friendly keyboards have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Unfortunately, both the NK65 Entry and KBD67 Lite are not in stock at the time of writing, though the KBD67 Lite will have its
second round of pre-orders very soon
. Hopefully, NovelKeys will restock the
NK65 Entry
 soon as well.


Perodua Ativa Official – Level 2 Autonomous, 1.0L Turbo CVT, From RM61,500

Here it is: the
Perodua Ativa
 compact SUV in all its glory. Packed with level 2 autonomous driving, a fuel-efficient 1.0L turbo engine, as well as a starting price of only RM61,500 – this is actually lower than the estimated pricing – the Ativa is quite a compelling new model from Perodua.

As previously revealed, three different variants of the Ativa are offered. The base X trim retails at RM61,500, while the higher-end H and AV models go for RM66,100 and RM71,200 respectively. As mentioned, these retail prices are lower than the estimated pricing given by Perodua, which is great.

Of course, the range-topping AV trim of the Ativa is the most exciting model; it is also the only variant to get level 2 autonomous driving. It’s equipped with Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The more affordable H and X models, on the other hand, come with AEB, which is actually standard equipment across the range.

Regardless of which variant you go for, all three models of the Ativa are equipped with the same 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 98PS and 140Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT gearbox, the Ativa has an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l. It’ll be interesting to see if the SUV can actually deliver this fuel economy in real life use.

To recap, the Perodua Ativa goes from RM61,500 to RM71,200; the top-of-the-line AV model is also available with a dual tone colourway (either red or white with a blacked-out roof), but that will cost an additional RM800. If you have already placed a booking, good news – Perodua said that deliveries of the Ativa will start from tomorrow onwards.


Perodua Ativa Received Over 5,000 Bookings; 3,000 Units to Be Delivered Every Month

Initially opened for booking just two weeks ago, the
Perodua Ativa
 is proving to be a popular choice for Malaysians. According to Perodua, over 5,000 bookings have been made for its brand new SUV, and it won’t take too long for the Ativa to be delivered to eager customers either.

“We (Perodua) have so far received some 5,000 bookings for the Perodua Ativa since we began collecting orders on 19 February. We thank the public very much for their support. Deliveries will begin tomorrow (4 March), and we aim to deliver an average of 3,000 units a month,” said the CEO of Perodua, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Priced from RM61,500 to RM72,000 – lower than the estimated pricing given by Perodua – the Ativa is packed with a number of attractive features. The range-topping AV model, for one, gets level 2 autonomous driving. It’s equipped with Lane Keep Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Aside from that, regardless of which variant you go for, all three models of the Ativa (AV, H, and X) are equipped with the same 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 98PS and 140Nm of torque. Paired with a CVT gearbox, the Ativa has an impressive rated fuel efficiency of 18.9km/l.

The Perodua Ativa is now available for viewing and test drive at all Perodua showrooms nationwide. Given that the carmaker aims to deliver 3,000 units of the SUV every month, you may not have to wait that long to get the Ativa, especially if you’ve placed your booking earlier.


2021 Nintendo Switch Will Feature OLED Screen & 4K Graphics

The
Nintendo Switch
 has been rumoured to be updated for quite some time now, but it appears a new version of the portable console will finally be released later this year. According to a
Bloomberg report
, the new Switch will come with an OLED panel and support for 4K graphics.

That’s right, the 2021 Switch will transition away from the current 6.2-inch LCD panel to a brighter, more vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, though the resolution will still be limited to 720p. Given that the OLED panel is also bigger now, the new Switch will either sport slimmer bezels, or we could be getting a fresh new design, though we reckon it will be the former.

Aside from that, the upcoming Switch will reportedly support 4K graphics as well, but as expected, this is only possible when the console is hooked up to a TV. This may indicate that the new Switch will feature more powerful hardware to keep up with the increased resolution.

As for exactly when the updated Switch will hit the market, we’re likely looking at the second quarter of 2021, closer to the holiday season. After all, the Samsung-made OLED screens for the updated console are only set to enter mass production sometime in June 2021. On top of that, the Bloomberg report also mentioned that “the displays are slated for shipment to assemblers around July.”

If you’re thinking of getting a Nintendo Switch soon, it may be worth it to wait for the 2021 Switch instead for the better, larger screen, and support for 4K graphics. But given the hardware upgrades, there’s a chance the new Switch will cost more as well.


Redmi Note 10 & Redmi Note 10 Pro Coming to Malaysia Soon – Starts at RM699

The Redmi Note 10 series is official, and two of the devices in the lineup – the Redmi Note 10 and Redmi Note 10 Pro – will be coming to Malaysia next week. Starting at RM699, these mid-range smartphones offer really good value for money.

Let’s start with the most impressive phone in the series, the Redmi Note 10 Pro. Two variants of the phone will be offered here: the 6GB + 128GB model retails at RM999, while the 8GB + 128GB configuration costs RM1,099. For that kind of money, you’re getting a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset, and a large 5,020mAh battery.

In the camera department, the Redmi Note 10 Pro features a quad camera system made up of a 108MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP telemacro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. It also has a 16MP selfie camera.

As for the more affordable Redmi Note 10, it retails at RM699 for the 64GB model with 4GB of RAM, while the more practical 128GB variant with 6GB of RAM costs RM799. Given its more affordable price tag, the Redmi Note 10’s hardware are not quite as impressive as the Pro model, though it still comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen.

Other specifications of the Redmi Note 10 include a Snapdragon 678 chipset, a quad camera system (48MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), a 13MP selfie camera, and a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, just like the Pro model.

The Redmi Note 10 will be available in Malaysia first on 8 March, while the Redmi Note 10 Pro will go on sale here slightly later on 15 March. We will be receiving the Pro model for review soon, so stay tuned for our hands-on of the mid-range smartphone!